I have friends who are close enough and honest enough that when I ask them "How have you been doing?", instead of the rote "Fine, thanks", they will tell me how they've actually been doing, including bad things.

I've never really known what to say. When advice or assistance is not what is needed.

Until now. (The things you can learn on TV...)

From Duck Dodgers: The Queen Is Wild.

Martian Commander: "Greetings, you Highness! I hope your hunting trip went well?"

The Martian Queen: "My ship has been disabled. And Duck Dodgers has gotten away."

Martian Commander: "I'm so very sorry to hear that."