Ok, when you meet someone, just for a minute, in the street for instance, and he said: "Hi, How are you?", what do you answer? That's weird to ask, but I want to be polite but I don't know what to say when it's people I don't really know, like a cleaning lady for instance...
Thank U!!!
2006-09-19 18:08:33 · 34 answers · asked by Gina 3 in Society & Culture ➔ Languages
Good, thanks! (Say it fast, emphasis on the good.)
In some places out east, "how ya doin" has become pretty much like "hi". They're not really asking a question, it's just a greeting. Feel free to respond with "how ya doin" in turn.
2006-09-19 18:15:14 · answer #1 · answered by Slake 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
In the US and Canada, at least, the phrase "How are you?" is merely a greeting ritual. When greeting, we usually don't really care how you are, especially if you're going to be a drag on our day, so we don't bother each other with the truth. The correct and polite response to "How are you?" is something along the lines of "Fine!", "Doing great!", "Good!", or "Not bad.", usually in a fairly upbeat manner, and followed by "And you?" or "How are you?" to complete the ritual response.
2006-09-19 18:38:36 · answer #2 · answered by Fenris 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
just say you are fine and thanks.
even if a dog meets u (if at all dogs speak) , the answer is same.
it is called politeness. the asker never knows whether you are ill, bad tempered, in good mood, lost a dear one, heard about a new born or any thing. he asks it as a matter of etiquette and you behave in the same way. that's it.
don't worry too much about silly matters like this.
2006-09-19 21:34:55 · answer #3 · answered by iamgood 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you actually knew the person, you'd probably be more honest and specific about how you are really doing, but if you're just talking to someone you just chance upon and you aren't going to be talking for long, most people just say something like "I'm fine, thanks, yourself?" And if you're really stuck, you can always comment about the weather!
2006-09-19 18:20:36 · answer #4 · answered by jennabeanski 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Not there's anything wrong with cleaning ladies!
There are almost countless things you can say.
Relax!
Hi, How are you? Say, good, really good, and you!
Or you could say, If I do any better, I'll be breaking the law!
2006-09-19 18:12:51 · answer #5 · answered by TG Special 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Good question but there is no perfect answer dear!'Fine thank u' works for me everytime...If it was a handsome gentleman u should say'fine thank you' with a serious face.if it was the cleaning lady you should smile and say 'Thank you,you're lovely/gorgeous!'.Good luck dear ...lots of luck actually...
2006-09-19 18:42:49 · answer #6 · answered by fadly j 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Strange to say, when people say this, they don't really want to know! It's just a way of saying 'hello', so reply, 'Fine, thank you/thanks' as standard, or 'not bad' when the day isn't going so well. If you said, 'well, actually, I've got this really bad cold, my budgie died, and I had an argument with my girlfriend yesterday', this is more information than they wanted to know........;-).
2006-09-19 18:19:09 · answer #7 · answered by so_it_goes_2512 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
u cud be really evil and make them wish theyd never asked by saying something along the lines of"well ive just found out im pregnant with sextuplets,the hubby has ran away with the babysitter,the babysitter phoned to say she's slept with him for years along with the guy with gonorhea,the rabid dog,and your dad in your mums bed....all depending on your daily mood of course..lmao
2006-09-19 18:28:33 · answer #8 · answered by annabella fox 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think the best way to answer is to say "i am fine thank you, and you?" as is it poliet and diverting the question away from yourself
2006-09-19 18:33:21 · answer #9 · answered by queenk8ib 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
just sort of smile or nod and say fine and you.its best to keep walking un less your really interested in hearing about her husbands piles and who won at bingo
2006-09-19 18:47:34 · answer #10 · answered by keny 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋