What’s up? Or.. What’s really up?

When answering this basic question with a blatant comment like “I’m straight” you could be dealing with the hardships of your life and not want anybody in your circle.. That’s all cute or the reality is you’re just tired at 8AM in the morning and “straight” is the quickest way to go on about your long boring day! People tend to respond, me included in the complete opposite way of how they’re actually feeling when being rushed. However, remember that if you want something good you respond quickly, but if you want something great, you take time to respond.

Now let’s break this down, the question “what’s up” isn’t just a normal question. This question has been around for ages with many different meanings. “Whats up” can mean what’s above you, is it the sky..? Or is it the day you’ve had? Or is it a jeopardy answer that you need to put “what’s” before… before answering? This question leaves many questions unanswered. One thing is for sure, you can never go wrong when saying something is “straight”. Because no matter how you put it.. This answer breaks down in layers that even “what’s up” can’t understand.

The term straight has been claimed as a sexuality phrase for the longest, but as we come into this new generation… people are realizing this term to be cool, calm, and an interaction of I’m acknowledging your question. It’s just not something I wish to engage in at this moment. I’ve seen the mightiest of strugglers, tell someone “I’m straight” as they go on to put food on the table for their young ones. So maybe this term for me resembles bravery, courage, the will to fight an inner emotional battle, that no one knows you’re dealing with. 

Getting into my personal thoughts, the question, “What’s up?” seems simple, but In reality to me it goes straight through my surface down to my core, especially when life feels heavy. Sometimes, “What’s up?” isn’t just about the day or a casual check-in, but about the battles I’m quietly carrying. It’s the weight of dreams I’m chasing, the fears I’m hiding from, and the hope that could shine when the world feels so dark. It’s a question that holds me accountable for being vulnerable. The moment I get asked, I get to pause and reflect on what truly lies beneath the mask I wear, or a “Crooked smile” J. Cole would like to call it. “What’s up?” Is an invitation to share my unspoken thoughts, to be seen, heard, and loved in all of it. Sometimes, I don’t even know what’s up myself, but that’s okay too. It’s just a reminder that I’m not alone in this journey.

However a question is only a question when there is an answer. Why do I respond with, “I’m straight,” simply because it carries a weight that goes far beyond those words. Sometimes, it’s a way of saying, “I’m holding it together,” even when everything inside feels like it’s falling apart. It’s like a shield, a way to deflect from the deeper pain when I don’t have the energy to explain. Have you ever been crying, exhausted and your friend, teacher or family member comes to ask you “what’s wrong” and all you say is “nothing”. There are reasons for not wanting to express our inner emotions. I say “I’m straight” because it means I’m pushing through the storm, directing my life’s struggles with a quiet strength. Constantly trying to convince myself that I’m okay because that’s what the world expects. But deep down, honestly it feels like I’m barely holding on, and yet, I keep going because that’s what I do. It’s a way of masking my vulnerability, and emotions that feel too raw to share. Behind those words is often my heart trying to stay strong, trying to find peace in this messed up world, even when the weight feels unbearable.

So the next time, someone asks you “what’s up”, reflect on what has been, give time to regain your confidence, then look them in the eyes and say “I’m straight” with the greatest of smiles.