How would you say I'm doing?

The question I have heard the most since Cliff left for mobilization has been "how are you doing?" This is not necessarily a bad question in itself. It's meant well, it's offered usually in friendship, concern, and a little nosiness thrown in for good measure.

The question however isn't the most interesting part of the conversation though, and neither is my answer. It's the reaction of the questioner to whatever it is I say.

If I say I'm doing good, I'm looked at like "sure you are; your husband just left for almost a year for war, you can't be doing good."If I say I'm OK, I'm met with the eyes that say "aw, you're trying to be strong, good for you you poor husband-less woman."If I say I'm making it, it's been tough but we're hanging in there, I'm looked at like "WHOA! She's not doing well now, how in the world will she make it when he actually heads overseas!"

I can't win. So I have come up with a new response to "how are you doing?"

I just start hitting people with my shoe.