When someone asks you how you are doing and then follows up with "really" after you have already given them an answer, it can be a sign that they genuinely care about your well-being and want to ensure you're being honest. Here are some appropriate responses you can consider:
Honest response: If you initially provided a generic or casual response, and the person asks "really," it might be an invitation to share more openly about how you are truly feeling. You can respond with a more sincere answer, elaborating on your emotions or current state.
Clarification: If you feel that your initial response might have been misunderstood or misinterpreted, you can clarify your answer. For example, if you said "I'm okay," but you meant it more positively than the person might have thought, you could say, "I mean it in a good way; I'm actually doing well."
Gratitude: Acknowledge their concern and show appreciation for their genuine interest in your well-being. You can say, "Thank you for asking and for caring about how I'm doing."
Engage in conversation: Use the opportunity to engage in a meaningful conversation with the person. You can ask them how they are doing in return, creating a two-way dialogue and showing that you care about their feelings as well.
Express openness: If you're comfortable with the person, you can let them know that you appreciate their concern and that you're open to talking more about how you're doing if they want to know further.
Remember that how much you share about your feelings is entirely up to you. If you're not comfortable going into detail or prefer to keep certain things private, it's okay to maintain boundaries and provide a general response. Honesty is essential, but you don't have to disclose everything if you don't feel comfortable doing so. Trust your instincts and share at a level you are comfortable with in any conversation.