What's Wrong………………..

The Word Wrangler
3 min readDec 22, 2024

--

Are you really okay?

That question hits different, right? It’s like — are we even supposed to ask that in a world where everyone’s lowkey competing, constantly posting highlight reels, and low-key faking fine? Life’s been serving lemons on repeat, and sometimes it feels like there’s not enough sugar to turn it into lemonade. And honestly, it feels like we’re out here trying to drink that sour stuff straight, hoping it somehow tastes better the next time. Spoiler: it usually doesn’t.

But let’s keep it real — we’re not built to tear each other down or live in this constant state of low-key backstabbing and side-eyeing. It’s exhausting. We’re supposed to lift each other, not step over someone to get ahead. Life’s already wild enough; we don’t need to make it harder for each other. If someone’s struggling to stay afloat, the least we can do is offer a hand, not a heavier weight. Imagine how much lighter everything could feel if we just chose to hold space for each other instead of competing for it.

And let’s talk about that whole pretending thing. Faking that everything’s cool when it’s clearly not? That’s not strength — that’s survival mode, and it burns out fast. We need more real convos, fewer fake smiles. Less ghosting, more “yo, I got you.” Less scrolling past someone’s venting post and more “hey, I see you.” Because keeping it bottled up only makes the pressure worse. You ever notice how a simple “how you holding up?” can break down walls someone didn’t even know they built? Yeah, that part. Vulnerability isn’t weakness, it’s a whole vibe — and honestly, it’s long overdue.

Kindness isn’t just a vibe — it’s essential. It’s the one thing that keeps us from feeling like this whole ride is pointless. And if we can’t be understanding of each other’s battles, then what’s even the point? Empathy hits harder than judgment. It’s the difference between being a moment of relief or being part of the weight someone’s already carrying. And honestly, it takes way less energy to care a little even if it’s something small, like asking someone if they’ve eaten today or sending a quick check-in text. Those little things? They stack up. They remind people they matter.

So yeah, if someone asks you, “Are you okay?” maybe it’s not just small talk. Maybe it’s a lifeline. Answer honestly, even if it feels awkward. And if you’re the one asking, mean it. Don’t just throw it out there like it’s filler. Sometimes, being the reason someone feels seen is the dopest thing you can do. You never know when a few words might stop someone from looping. And don’t just ask once — check in again. Consistency isn’t clingy; it’s care. It’s showing up even when there’s no grand gesture attached.

We’re all in this together — let’s actually start acting like it. No one’s winning solo. The whole “I got this on my own” mentality is overrated. Community isn’t just a word, and it’s survival. Let’s stop treating empathy like an option and start treating it like the flex (to show your warmth). Real connection? That’s the real flex. So let’s be about it.

--

--

The Word Wrangler
The Word Wrangler

No responses yet