How are you, i asked. It's not that we are friends or close but we met a few times on a platform and exchanged a few words. He always sounds happy, funny and... lonely.
I don't know. Physically i am good. Mentally, not so sure
No, I didn't back off but said: If you like you can talk. I am here.
I am saying "I am here" a lot lately. Perhaps I shouldn't since there isn't a single person who asks me how I am doing but I do. Not with everyone but some. There must be a reason why I ask or reach out. So I wait. It's true there are abundant people who could reach out, especially those struggling themselves because they have empathy and understanding to offer and time. Sharing is still caring people and it won't harm you to reach out to a stranger once in a while or someone who talked to you. It's a few months ago someone said: We are like a family here, we should reach out, and inform if someone is absent for longer. My reply was: How do you want me to reach out to you, ask if I don't have your phone number, address or a way to contact you if you don't show up on a forum we share? Would you ask me how I am doing? If I am absent for longer would you try to find me, figure out if I am still alive? It remained silent for longer but the final answer was: You are right.
It's impossible to reach out to everyone but for sure we all have someone we can ask "how do you do" instead of using the excuse: I am busy. If you can spend time on the internet, watch TV, sleep on the couch, can go out, you have time to ask "Are you okay" as well.
Now i wait till I receive an answer. If not I will ask again, I have time. It doesn't take much type to type those words: How are you? You should try it for a change. You never know who you'll meet.
The prompt used is the title provided by 
