When someone says, “I’m fine,” don’t always assume they’re okay.

Sometimes “I’m fine” means, “I don’t know how to explain what I’m feeling.”

Sometimes it means, “I’m not ready to talk yet.”

And sometimes, it simply means, “I’m hoping someone cares enough to ask again.”

Give people room to be honest. Check in again. Ask gently. Listen without rushing to fix, judge, or force them to talk.

You don’t have to have the perfect words. Your presence can be enough.

A simple, “Are you really okay? You can talk to me if you want to,” can mean more than you realise.

Let people know they are safe to tell the truth.