Sometimes, when I say 'I'm okay.' I want someone to look me in the eyes, hug me tight and say, 'I know you're not'

Sometimes, when I say 'I'm okay.' I want someone to look me in the eyes, hug me tight and say, 'I know you're not'

The phrase "I'm okay" is often used as a shield to protect ourselves from vulnerability. It's a way of putting on a brave face and pretending that everything is fine, even when it's not. We say it to avoid burdening others with our problems, or to avoid facing our own emotions. But sometimes, behind those two simple words, lies a world of pain, sadness, and struggle.

When we say "I'm okay," what we really mean is that we're not okay. We're hurting, we're struggling, we're overwhelmed. We're crying out for help, but we're too afraid to ask for it. We're afraid of being judged, of being seen as weak or needy. So we put on a mask and pretend that everything is fine, even when it's not.

But deep down, we long for someone to see through our facade. We long for someone to look us in the eyes, see the pain that we're trying to hide, and offer us the comfort and support that we so desperately need. We long for someone to hug us tight and say, "I know you're not okay."

Those words have the power to break through our walls of self-protection and touch the deepest parts of our hearts. They have the power to validate our feelings, to let us know that it's okay to not be okay. They have the power to remind us that we're not alone, that there are people who care about us and want to help us through our struggles.

So the next time someone tells you that they're okay, take a moment to look beyond their words. Look into their eyes, listen to the tone of their voice, and trust your intuition. If you sense that they're not okay, don't be afraid to reach out to them. Offer them a hug, a listening ear, a shoulder to cry on. Let them know that you see their pain, that you care about them, and that you're there for them no matter what.