What we don't say

What we say: ----- 

Anyone: So... how are you? 

Me: Fine. How about you? 

Them: I'm really good. Whatcha been doing? 

 Me: oh, the usual. 

 Them: Yeah, same here. 

 ----- 

 What we're thinking 

 [Them: I'm just being polite. Please don't start; no whining! God, I have so much to so. Did I turn off the stove? What day is this. Do we have soccer?] 

 [Me: I'm tired, a bit frustrated, but hanging in there. Exasperated, sleep-deprived, hopeful, sore, overweight, ready to run away. Mom's driving me nuts. You really have the perfect life. Great family, great job. You probably won a peace prize or some shit. I don't know how you do it all. You're pretty awesome! ] 

 [Them: Everything is falling apart. We're getting a divorce. My mom is dying. The dog ate the sofa. The septic just exploded. And look at you. You've really got it made. You're probably watching reruns of some stupid crime show. Soap operas anyone? Probably get to sit on your butt all day. ]

[Me: I'm having trouble coping with chronic illness, sleeping a lot. I compensate by taking pottery classes, writing bad novels, painting, writing poetry, walking, tormenting the cat, learning to code, volunteering, kayaking. Trying to contribute. Somehow] 

 WHAT ARE WE NOT SAYING TO EACH OTHER?