I've noticed recently that hardly anyone says that they're "good" these days, when asked. The response du jour is, mostly, "OK."
In each "OK," I sense something underlying, something that a fellow human is dealing with that is leading him or her to note - even, or perhaps especially, to him or herself - that he or she is hanging in, in spite of what's present in life.
For many of us, these are days of "hanging in," whether it be in a relationship, work/career situation (or lack thereof), living situation, health situation or all of the above. Yes, I speak for myself in part, and maybe that's why I'm attuned to what's underneath or behind each "OK."
I love connecting with people, so if the time and place permits, I will gently probe that answer, always with the caveat that I'm asking because I'm concerned/interested and if someone doesn't want to talk, no worries. What has been shared in response has been astounding in its breadth of issues and concerns. I find that people ARE willing to share what is happening in their lives, in a way that I don't remember happening in earlier times. (Not to mention past lives...)
Maybe I'm wrong here. Maybe it's just because of my attunement to "OK" that I'm observing more hanging in going on. I've always had a good ear, though, for language and nuances and I do think there has been a shift in response.
If you find yourself doing "OK," then, with all the nuances that answer connotes, know that you're not alone. Based on my exhaustive research, there appears to be a huge chorus of "OKers" who've got your back and know a bit about what you're going through...know that you're coping and hanging in.
I do believe that "good" is on its way, though. I'll be there, like I've been for "OK," to welcome it with open arms. For now, though, it's mostly OK. Hang in there, my friends!
Be well...