It can be tough to balance honesty with the desire to maintain a certain image or protect your feelings. If you want to respond without delving into the difficult aspects of how you're feeling, you might consider using a neutral or positive response. Here are a few suggestions:
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Keep it Light: "I've been okay, just taking things one day at a time, how about you?"
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General Response: "Things have been busy, but I'm managing. What about you?"
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Positive Spin: "It's been a bit hectic, but I'm hanging in there!"
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Humor: "Honestly, just trying to keep my head above water! How have you been?"
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Vague but Honest: "I've had my ups and downs, but I'm getting through it."
This way, you acknowledge the question without going into specifics about how you're feeling inside. If you're comfortable and trust the person, you might choose to share a bit more later on when you're ready.