Are you just supposed to say "fine" or are you supposed to give a real answer?
2006-09-02 06:43:32 · 17 answers · asked by monkey 5 in Society & Culture ➔ Etiquette
That's a good question. Sometimes I feel weird just saying "fine" especially if I'm not.
Usually if I am not okay and it is someone that I am close to asking me the question, I will tell them what's going on.
Also too I sometimes feel that if I have really nothing to say, it seems like "fine" is all I can say but then it makes me feel like I'm boring.
2006-09-02 09:04:21 · answer #1 · answered by Friend 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It depends on what part of the conversation you are in.
If it's the beginning of the conversation (the part after the "hello") then there are really only a few answers that work there: "fine", "good", and so forth. The purpose of the "how are you" at the beginning of the conversation is more or less like saying, "I want to have a conversation with you; do you agree?" and the "fine" is like saying, "I agree". It's more to establish that you're talking to each other.
If it's in the middle of the conversation, the person is inquiring about your condition, to which you can answer whatever you choose, basically.
2006-09-03 00:16:04 · answer #2 · answered by drshorty 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Fine
2006-09-02 13:48:27 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Depends on how well you know the person, there are varying degrees of intimiacy and varying degrees of exposition. If someone is pretty much a stranger to you, "fine, thanks, how are you" will do. If it's a friend, and you say you're fine when you obviously aren't, the friend will feel excluded and offended. It's common sense.
2006-09-02 13:49:53 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Good and you?
When people ask "how are you?", they're just being polite. They don't REALLY want to know. Just answer politely, regardless of how you're doing.
Think about it from the opposite perspective; if you asked someone how they're doing and the person just started rambling on and on about everything that's going on with their live, good or bad.. oh how annoying! Just shut the hell up! There was this one guy at my old job who was like that. I decided to walk a different hallway just to avoid seeing him and asking "Hey_______, how are you?".
2006-09-02 14:17:46 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
You shouldn't give a real answer unless the person is a close friend who will actually care.
2006-09-02 13:56:07 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
I usually say, Fine, and you? And, if the person REALLY wants to hear more, they'll stop to chat, otherwise, keep moving, or shut up and wait. LOL.. Not to be rude. but, best way..
2006-09-02 13:49:27 · answer #7 · answered by chuckufarley2a 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
depends on the person... if its a close friend give a real answer - if its a random aquaintance then say "fine, and you?"
2006-09-02 13:58:15 · answer #8 · answered by Meemah 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Up are so many comments 2 your question but one thing in common and not mentioned; it is the "tone" of the questions, to whom it's addressed that counts...
2006-09-02 13:56:31 · answer #9 · answered by scorpioneer 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I usually say how I really feel, like if I've had a bad week I'll mention it. Never forget to ask how they've been!!!
2006-09-02 13:49:38 · answer #10 · answered by HardCore 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋