How are you?

I asked my best friend this question a few days ago.

“How are you?”

Her reply was “I’m just here, it’s been raining all night and morning”.

I told her that I didn’t ask where she was or what the weather was like.

Let’s talk about me for a sec. I know.. so narcissistic. But bear with me. ‘How are you’ is a genuine question from me if I care about you, so please don’t start telling me you’re ok if you aren’t or talk about it’s been raining to hint that it’s a representation of how you feel. Just tell me. I’m in your life and my intention is to go through life with you as long as possible and that includes doing whatever’s in my power to make you feel happy.

This is coming from a friend, best friend, girlfriend, sister, daughter, everything that I am to the people that matter to me point of view. I’m here to do my best to be as comforting and helpful as I can for you but in return I want you to be able to be your whole and total self with me, including when you aren’t at your best or your happiest or if you’re going through things. Even if you rather not talk, tell me you’re feeling like shit and that you’d rather just watch a movie or take a shot. Whatever’s more your speed.

Let me be an outlet for you when you’re asked such redundant “how are yous”. Far too often, we’re asked that by people who don’t really care how you really are but trust and believe that when I ask, I want to know. Not how the weather is or what you’re doing or where you are. Tell me about the storms rolling around in your mind and where your mental head space currently is. When I ask how you are, for a moment I empty the cup of myself so that you can pour in whatever’s on your heart. While I may not always be able to offer a solution, I will always at least be an ear to hear and a heart to listen.