In my case it’s especially because of the unlikely trajectories of my backstory, which I can either explain at too much length or elide too smoothly

That's why I have no good answer when greeted with "How are you?" I understand it is a social ritual. All most people want is a check-in. I finally started answering, "I'm alive," which fulfills the ritual criteria without either TMI or dishonesty.

(I could have said that things being wrong upsets me, but I suspect that is true of most people, and the trouble starts with the different definitions of wrong.)

*frames words to put them on wall*

I am glad they are useful.