When we say ‘I am fine’ in response to a ‘how are you?’, I wonder which part of the self is the ‘I’ that is fine, the physical, mental self usually I would imagine. But what about the whole self, the deeper and somewhat undiscovered self, the being within. I wonder on this journey if we are really ever altogether fine, because we are usually in the process of searching, we spend our lives searching for ourselves and when we find ourselves, I doubt very much if we would use the word fine, I think we might say ‘I am complete’.
~ lizalizaskysaregrey©2017
lizalizaskysaregrey 
By the time you want to answer that question, most people are already 2 steps down the street, not really expecting an answer! And yes, it is a complex question!
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Yes, you are right, there are those who ask how we are out of politeness but with very little interest.
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In the past I have said I am fine,when I haven’t been. They are times I still do.
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Me too Liz, I need to get out of that habit. I think we usually do it to look after those that are asking.
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I say fine because it can be so varied. It can mean excellence, yet can also mean delicate. It can mean bright, yet also sharp. For me each use is different and I love that it is such a word with so many varied definitions. I find saying “I’m good” to be more blah, although I say that as well.
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I love your explanation of the word fine! Thank you, something for me to ponder on 😉
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I’m fine means to me that, I’m crossing the broken path, towards complete. Thanks for sharing.
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I like that way of looking at it, thanks for your insight : )
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Love reading your post. 🙂
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That’s a lovely compliment, thank you!
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