My new “funny” response if people have seen Guardians of the Galaxy. “I am Groot”.

I say “ thank you for asking but today I am focused on the positive and celebrating the people around me. So lets talk about something else and if you really want to have the conversation lets have tea sometime—they never do. Conversation ends and you don’t get sucked in the muck. Then do your best to stay positive and get through the requirements and take your leave before you over do it. If your significant other is a stay till the party ends person make other arrangements to get picked up before the party starts and you take care of you. Holidays are a marathon so pace yourself so u can enjoy them.

I always say, “I’m ok” because to me, if I really weren’t, I wouldn’t be there anyway. My true friends know, though, when I’m trying to fake-it-until-I-make-it.

I am not sure why people worry about being honest with people who end up eye-rolling or some other sarcasm. Maybe that sounds callous and I am sorry if it does. No one is ever interested in my health and said person is ALWAYS interested in talking about themselves so I just flip it fast...”I’m great! How are you?” and move right along. Anybody you are genuinely interested in you can steer the conversation deeper. You are completely in control of this game. Look at the ceiling and suddenly wander off...excuse yourself to the restroom. Set your sites on enjoying the game of it and excuse yourself whenever you need. Good luck. 🌷🌲🌷🌲🌷🌲🌷🌲🌷

I think the "I am hanging in" is a great response and I may I may use it in the future