Here’s Why “I’m Fine” Should Never Be Your Answer… And How It Could Be Ruining Your Career

Everyone is entitled to a bad day. Being happy-go-lucky 24/7 isn’t realistic, and if anything, it’s a little bit scary. While we might think we’re protecting others from our bad moods, by shrugging off our feelings and saying “I’m fine”, we’re more likely to make a bad impression on our colleagues and friends. According to a new study, telling someone “I’m fine” can give an impression that you’re not honest about your feelings. Researchers from the University of Oregon found that people viewed those who quoted those infamous words perceived as unpleasant, distant, less extroverted, and less likable. This was despite the fact that most people accepted that you could be just be trying not to offload your bad mood on them. So what should you do if your sitting under a personal storm cloud? Researchers found that when people responded more honestly, it gave others a chance to offer some reassurance, providing a more positive feeling between the two co-workers and creating a better atmosphere to work in. Whether it’s admitting to a bad night’s sleep, having a fight with your best friend, or feeling under pressure in work, the study found that holding back negative feelings only made participants more upset, and those who did this reported less satisfaction with their social life and a tougher time getting close to others. So a problem shared is a problem halved… and might just be the answer to your problems. H/T Red Magazine