Recently, someone did push me to say I am good instead of I am okay and I simply cut the conversation and told them to get right to the main points LOL.
That's so funny! Stages. I used to give the expected response way back. Then I went to "fine". Didn't like that much. Then tried out some "radical honesty", way too cringe. Then went for a more neutral response inspired by my friend because it all made sense once he explained what "okay" meant, 🤣
Your friend's explanation behind the response made me laugh. Its practical and it sums up the point entirely.
If you knew him, you'd find it even funnier 😂