Interpretations

While having lunch with a friend last week, she kindly asked me how I had been feeling. Being honest, I first stated how much I dislike that question. As that really surprised her, we ended up discussing why I felt that way to a typical question for a pregnant woman. So, I thought I should clarify for the rest of those who ask me why I’m not a fan of the question.

Its not that I don’t like people asking me the question all the time. There are several people who genuinely ask because they want to know and because they want the honest answer. However, its when the random stranger, mere acquaintance, co-worker, etc asks that I dislike it. Instantly what goes through my head (being as I am 0-2 with having an “easy” or “pleasant” pregnancy) do they really want to know? Should I tell them the true answer? Even worse should I go into details? Or do I just say the simple answer of either “fine” or “good” which is probably what they want or hope to hear. I do not like to lie, I’m really no good at it at all, and I don’t like giving false impressions either. So I find it to be a real debate anytime I’m asked such a simple question, just as I did growing up whenever I was asked “where are you from?” Being a preacher’s daughter that was NEVER an easy question. Do they want to know where you currently live? Where you were born? Where you spent your initial formative years? Where you grew up (which opens a whole different ball-park of what is their definition of growing up) or simply where your parents live. See my problem? (Yes I am aware that I over-think things!)

As I would much rather avoid conflict I either give a smart remark like “I’m alive” or I tell the whole truth, despite how unpleasant I’m sure it is to hear. So if you know me, and if you’re reading this I’m guessing you do, unless you truly want to know, I’d advise NOT asking me how I’m feeling until, oh November sometime!