>

"If i am feeling down...im fine means exactly that"
That is the opposite of what it means and the entire reason people think its stupid to say when its a lie.
I don't like lying to people. I'll just tell them "don't worry about it, I'll be alright" >

I guess what people really want is the ability to say "I'm not fine" without being interrogated. In the situations mentioned above, you should be able to say, "I don't feel fine, but I don't want to talk about it right now," without feeling pressured. That way you don't have to default to "I'm fine" when you yourself are aware that that's not the case. >

I think often we just don’t want to unload our issues onto another person unless we know they are willing to be an ear. If you really want to know then after they say I am fine say, “really though, It is okay if you don’t want to talk, but know I am here for you.” And just pause.
For me that has always worked in getting the more of the core of what the other person is feeling at this time. If it is too personal it also gives them a way out. It lets them decide how much they want to invest but let’s them know you are not just being nice by asking. >

I once dated someone that would say this a lot and once I asked if she meant it cuz I’ve seen it used as sort of a cop out answer but she was insistent that she meant it. Then the next person I dated responded with “I’m fine” once so I moved on and was immediately met with “wow you really don’t understand women do you? When I say I’m fine I obviously don’t mean it”. The second relationship didn’t last long >

I hate the people who do that who try to contradict what someone else has told a man, it is not your fault you moved on i guess the precaution is to always ask regardless if they mean it. 
but i feel that's so annoying. "i obviously don't mean it" it's not always that obvious. glad that relationship ended. >

I'm fine is the only answer, it's also a matter of being polite and trying to not burden others with stuff you can perfectly deal with or will go away in few hours. I can't stand people who try to force their way past it. >

"Eh, I'm in a pretty rough place right now but I'm working through it on my own and I'd prefer not to talk about it. I appreciate you respecting my wishes and also appreciate you asking about me. How are you?"
This is an honest response that doesn't require effort, tells them where you're at mentally, and let's turn know you appreciate them. 
Saying "I'm fine" when you're not in a good mental space is an avoidant behavior / attachment style and is something a person would ultimately want to address; as it isn't coming from an innately secure place. >

Stop making up stuff. Nothing happens when someone replies "I'm fine". I call bullshit because I never seen it happen before. >

I'm with you on this one. >

I kind of agree mainly because if we were to be totally honest about how we were really doing, half of them really wouldn’t give AF anyway at least in my experience. I hate that we don’t have a society in which you can be truly vulnerable and express how TF you feel, but saying “I’m fine” may be the best. I never thought of the topic like this. 🤔 >


F= Fucked Up
I= Insecure
N= Neurotic
E= Emotional

Just fine. >

Wow, now women are stealing the “I’m fine” stigma of men? Jesus Christ. We can’t have anything anymore. Even our depression deflections.