Awkward is the new suave

I’m not feeling well today (“What else is new?” everyone who knows me just said. Out loud) and I’m thinking I’m probably going to leave work early. My head hurts, I’m nauseous, a little dizzy, sore throat, etc., etc.


So this woman I work with walked by my desk and asked me how it’s going. I was about to say, “Eh, not so good,” when I remembered a close relative of this woman’s passed away over the weekend. She was out of work Friday to go to the funeral. Suddenly I’m paralyzed: Do I tell her the truth - that it’s not going so hot - when obviously things are worse for her? Do I lie and say things are fine, which might also bring attention to how not fine things are for her?

After 3 seconds that felt like 30 minutes, I decided the truth would set me free and said, “I’ve been better, not feeling too well today.” She responded that she was the same, telling me about the funeral. I said I was sorry, and she actually sort of seemed relieved to have someone to commiserate with – someone for whom this seemingly flawless Southern California day was also not so great. But it got me wondering, what is the proper etiquette for that?



When you’re not doing so well, and someone whom you know is probably doing worse asks how you are, what’s the proper response? Today, you are my Emily Post.