Just fine.

[Ooftacat]

 "Hi, How are you today?"
"I'm Fine"

What does that really mean?  Let's examine:

I'm fine--because I don't really want to talk to you.

I'm fine--because it's really none of your business how I'm feeling.

I'm fine--because you really don't care, anyway.

I'm fine--because if I really tell you what I'm feeling, you'll be bored after 20 seconds.

I'm fine--because that is my automatic response.  What are you supposed to say when someone asks you how you're doing?

I'm fine--Not great, not bad.

I'm fine--I survived today.

I'm fine--I had a great day today.

I'm fine.

So, what about the other fines? 

"That is a fine-tip pencil"

"I'll have a glass of fine wine with dinner"

"I'm not paying that fine"

"Ohhh, did you see that guy?  He was fine".  (Do people still talk like that?)

So, when you are saying, "I'm fine", what are you saying?

And, more importatnly, what are you saying when you say your child is fine? 

"My child turned out just...fine"

And what does that mean, anyway?  Just Fine?

He's just fine--he didn't die.

He's just fine--he survived this or that.

He's just fine--the fall didn't hurt him.

He's just fine--that cry isn't real.

He's just fine--he survived today.

He's just fine--he had a great day today.

How do you KNOW how your child turned out?  Aren't they still living?  Then they aren't finished with their "turning out".  You don't know HOW they'll turn out.  Just because they are, "fine" right now doesn't mean they won't be tomorrow.  Even if they are adults, they still haven't finished with their life for you to know if they're fine.  And, how do you REALLY know they are fine?  Did you ask them? 

"How are you, son?"
"I'm fine, Mom"

I don't like the word "fine".  Let's find a new one--something like.

"Alright"

"Hi, How are you today?"
"I'm Alright"

Wait--That won't work, will it?  

Sigh.

Ok, FINE--you find a better word.

 

 

[jellyphish]

Jul. 19, 2009 at 1:02 AM

Cat, how have you been lately?

[Ooftacat]

Jul. 19, 2009 at 1:07 AM

Haha!  Do you REALLY want to know?

(Original Poster)

[jellyphish]

Jul. 19, 2009 at 1:35 AM

YES!  DUH!

[ivansmom07]

Jul. 19, 2009 at 1:56 PM

Love this, Cat!

 

[pinkdragon36]

Jul. 19, 2009 at 2:45 PM

I say I am just fine when the person who asks does not really want the answer! Sometimes people ask and they really do not want to know.