Quickreads

When "I’m Fine" Actually Means "I’m Tired of Explaining"

Silence isn’t always peace… sometimes it’s just the safest place to hide your pain.

We’ve all said it.

Those two little words ...“I’m fine.”

Most people take it at face value.

They nod, smile, and move on.

But here’s the truth… “I’m fine” rarely means we’re actually okay.

It’s not about lying.

It’s about survival.

Sometimes we stop explaining because the last time we opened up, we were told, “Don’t think too much.”

Sometimes we stay silent because people’s eyes glaze over halfway through our story.

And sometimes, we just don’t have the energy to relive the pain in words, again and again.

1. Emotional Exhaustion – They’ve been carrying the same pain for too long.

2. Fear of Burdening Others – They worry their feelings will make others uncomfortable.

3. Repeated Invalidations – They’ve heard “you’ll be okay” so many times, it feels pointless to talk.

“I’m fine” often translates to:

“I don’t think you’ll understand.”

“I’m protecting myself from disappointment.”

“I’ve already cried this story dry.”

And this is where emotional intimacy truly matters, when someone listens not just to your words, but to the silence between them.

Don’t push... Just create safety.

Ask “Are you sure?” and mean it.

Be present without forcing them to talk.

Because sometimes, the most healing thing you can give someone is your quiet, genuine presence.

Thanks for Reading.

With Love,

Aishwary ❤️