Should we say "hope you are well"?

I've been wishing a lot of people a happy Gregorian new year, then adding "hope you are well!" But what if they're not?

How does hearing that phrase land with someone who isn't ok? Does it push them to pretend to be fine when they aren't? Do we expect them to say "Thanks!" the same way we expect people to answer "How are you?" with "Good!" even when they're miserable? God forbid we have to stop what we're doing and experience a moment of authenticity!

Of course the intention of the well-wisher is good, but hopefully we know by now that when it comes to language, intention and impact are not the same. (Example: Microagressions like saying "Your English is great!" to someone from an English speaking country who looks different from how you imagine an English speaker to look.) Even if we mean "It is my hope that you feel good," I can imagine it sounding like "I expect you to be ok even if you're not."

What's the alternative to the standard response? If someone is unwell, it puts the onus of breaking social convention on them. They either have to:

a) not respond (rude!)

b) respond truthfully (awkward!)

I imagine that those of you who believe people make too much out of language think I'm crazy for even asking these questions. Those of you who agree that words do indeed matter may see my point. As for me, I don't like to force anyone to strap on a social mask on my behalf if we can avoid it, so I'd rather provide an alternative.

On that note, happy Gregorian new year. I hope you are well and/or well supported.