Defining Nothing

N O T H I N G means no thing.
If I ask you what is running on your mind right now, you might panic and try to get rid of the "lunatic" by saying "nothing"..i e no thing..and you would expect me to be satisfied with that.
Yeah Right.
'Nothing' is an understated word that blatantly mocks the listener. What the utterer(?) actually means by 'nothing' is that it is not a thing. It is something bigger and impressive than a mere "thing".
Next time when someone says "Nothing", think again before moving away. Maybe they are hinting at some larger scheme of feelings and emotions and reality that the phrase "no thing" can't justify.
I think the problem lies with the question..You ask "What is the matter?"
Matter...?
Matter, according to Wiki sources, "is commonly defined as the substance of which physical objects are composed, not counting the contribution of various energy or force-fields, which are not usually considered to be matter per se (though they may contribute to the mass of objects). "
Matter is Physics.
Physics might be real.
But
Physics is not Physical or okay, I admit, maybe it is.
But Physics is not Mental or Emotional or Psychological.

That's why you get blank teary-eyed faces vehemently denying any "matter" because what is troubling them is not physical; it is far more pervasive into their inner being which is not 'matter'.
So change the question. Say something like "What is troubling you?"
Hmmm. Or better still, just look at the troubled face and let your imagination run wild. Mayybe, the person fell in love with an alien that had abducted her but she figured out that the alien belonged to her gender.
Okay, that is NOT entertaining. Cut it Out.
I have a really really good idea. When you look at a plagued soul and questions crowd your mind as to why the droopy face and how to offer comfort, just look away.
I assure you, it is "no thing". Best to stay away from "nothing".
Are you thinking what is wrong with me???
Nothing...I assure you..Nothing at all..