I have trouble understanding why people ask me "how are you". I usually answer factually but I try to keep it short. If it's a stranger like a tradesperson I think it's impertinent, but if I like them I say "all the better for being here again".

I never ever ask anyone else "how are you" !!! To a few really decent people I say, "I hope you're keeping well" then they can volunteer something if they wish and I have decided I have time for it.

I value all opportunities to talk about my struggles but am wary of people in self-help groups who have hangups about excuses, I feel I would like to share without being accused of that.

I have a friend who used to give me lifts to mutual friends. I was going through a bad patch without appropriate medication and bent his ear too much and wrongly. He let me know that it wasn't convenient for him to offer me lifts for a while. I appreciate that.