One of the questions people ask most after a loss is, "How are you doing?"

And one of the most common answers is, "I'm fine."

Sometimes we say it because it's easier than explaining how broken we feel. Sometimes we say it because we don't want to make other people uncomfortable. Sometimes we simply don't have the energy to explain.

The truth is, many grieving people spend a great deal of time protecting everyone else from their grief.

I've learned that some of the greatest comfort comes from the people who are willing to simply sit with us, listen, and let us talk about our person.

You don't have to have the perfect words. You don't have to explain everything. And you certainly don't have to share your heart with everyone who asks.

But if someone has earned your trust, it's okay to let them know you're not really fine.

Sometimes the strongest thing we can do is allow someone to see the truth.