I also hate people to ask cheerfully how you are when they know you're feeling like hell and expect you to say fine
In Sylvia Plath's "The Bell Jar," the protagonist grapples with feelings of isolation and despair. She encounters individuals who, despite being aware of her struggles, ask her how she is doing with a disingenuous cheerfulness. This superficial interaction deepens her sense of loneliness, as she feels pressured to respond positively even when her reality is far from fine. The quote highlights the disconnect between societal expectations and personal emotions. It illustrates...