When anyone asks me how I am doing I always say "no better, no worse".

I refuse to use the words "fine" or "OK" because too many people assume that "fine" and "OK" mean healthy..... I don't want to give the impression that I am healthy and cured, but I also do not want to sound like I am wallowing in agony and telling my "sob story" anytime someone asks how I am doing.

So, my habit is to simply say - no better, no worse - and then change the subject by asking how the other person is or asking what they have been up to lately. If the person then wants to know more about how I am really doing they can ask more questions and I am happy to answer...

... but most people who say "how are you" are simply doing it as a habit or to be polite - they don't really want to know how I am doing, so I save them and I save myself by giving a short and sweet and honest answer.

No better, no worse, thank you for asking.