To anyone who has ever asked me if I'm okay

Whenever someone asks me how I am, I always say I'm okay. I don't know if it's them I'm trying to convince or myself, but that's what I always say, even if I'm not. Despite that, I appreciate people checking up on me. No matter if it's a simple "how are you?", a casual "are you okay?", or really convincing me to answer something other than just 'okay'. 

To you who asked me if I'm okay, thank you. Even if you asked me just that one time, still, thank you. You probably didn't know that it made me feel a little better, but it did. And even if I was totally fine when you asked, thank you. Being sincerely asked how you are doing makes you feel loved, cared for. I'm sorry if my only response is "okay" or "yeah" or just a little smile. I've been strong—or maybe acting strong—for so long that I'm not quite sure how to say when I'm not. It's difficult to explain too. Especially when you yourself don't understand exactly how you feel.

We've all had bad days, sometimes even worse, and sometimes people checking up on you is like your saving grace. It's like a gulp of air when you're in the water too deep that you're starting to drown. Again, to you who asked me if I'm okay, thank you. It doesn't even matter if you're a friend, an acquaintance, a relative, or a stranger. I hope I could return the favor to you, and if not, maybe to someone else. There is so much hatred and negativity nowadays and I think it's about time we look out for the people around us more.

To whoever is reading this, how are you? I hope you're okay. And if not, I hope things get better sooner than you think. It's okay if things doesn't all make sense now; and always remember to breathe and breathe in deep.