When someone asks "How are you?" do they really care what the answer is?

Answer 1

No...this is just a common question and almost protocol. People don't even think about what they are asking when they ask it. Most people would probably either freak out or get utterly bored if you answered the question and truely told them how you felt and what was bothering you.

Answer 2

I usually do, but most people don't, so the socially acceptable answer is "I'm fine." If I actually want a genuine answer, I'll usually try to switch it up by asking "How's life?" or "What's new?" This will catch people off guard and then I get the real story. I suspect there are other people out there who have also learned this trick. However, I also suspect that there are a minority of people out there who really care how you are when they ask. If you want to know who these people are, I suggest that you watch for people who really listen when you talk, who know you well, and are generally kind hearted.

Answer 3

Generally speaking "no" - since I have a brain tumor and metal poisoning, I like to throw them a curve so I answer, "For someone with a brain tumor and metal poisoning, I'm handling this day real well, and you?" They usually don't make any response. The question annoys me. I don't find it polite conversation. Polite would be, "hi, pretty day today isn't it?" If I ask you how you are doing today, I want to know how YOU are doing today. Which means that I probably know you and have genuine concern for you. Otherwise, I will take up polite conversation if any at all - depending on how I feel!!

Answer 4

I was working in a store when an old man came in to make a purchase, being nice I asked him, "How are you?" His response floored me. He said, "Don't bother asking me how I am. You don't really care. Just give me my change." Of course, I was in my early 20's and had never been spoken so rudely to. But, after I pondered the thought and thought about what my different reactions could have been I decided that I would no longer ask that question to anyone I didn't know.

Answer 5

I will say, 9 out of 10 could care less how you really, they are being polite by asking.

Answer 6

If they are strangers I hope so because I always tell them about the latest rashes that I got. If they had more time I also have snapshots from my latest sigmoidoscopy. Those are usually enough to cure them of asking time-wasting conversation starters.

If they are a friend I usually just say "OK - and you?" so we can waste some pleasant time together.

Answer 7

I don´t think so. That answer is usual in the society life. Even though friends ask it to each other for education, we use to ask automatically because it´s normal betwen us.
Here in Brazil people also ask it and don´t care about the answer.

Answer 8

Yaaaaaaa!! Duhhhhh! How else would I know how am I doing, if no one were to ask me that question?! Its one of the most important question that I've been asked in my life.
At the same time, It's like a brain-exercise question that allows one to think critically. Now, don't ever take it lightly!

Answer 9

Well, some people ask " how are you", because they are being polite, not because they actually want to know how you're doing. But, there are some people who do actually care about your response, because they care about your well being, so they must care about you.

Answer 10

If a person looks you in the eyes and waits for your answer,I would have to say yes.I say it out of meaning and actually do care.You would be surprised how many people like to share thier feelings bad or good.