2006-11-12 04:25:52 · 21 answers · asked by knowitall 3 in Social Science ➔ Psychology
I know exactly how you feel. This is How I all ways answer that question. "Terrible" I say. You will not believe how much it throws them off guard. I've had people stop dead in there tracks to ask me why. Even if they seemed to be in a hurry. Cash register workers are my favorite. To people I see often, and after the first time they all ways ask whenever they see you, then Its usually a "better than the last time I saw you", Or "pretty good, its been awhile since I've seen you how about you?" Just don't let a typical question BE a typical question. But realize once people care... you have to too. Make sure you know what your asking. Its easy being typical.
2006-11-12 04:38:16 · answer #1 · answered by kellythemayor 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
fine
2006-11-12 12:26:51 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
Yeah, i get what your saying, but "How are you" is so overused, it's kind of become just a courtesy phrase, if you know what I mean. It's the polite thing to say when you greet somebody.
But I get irritated with that, too- even if you have some crisis going on in your life at that moment, it's not like you're going to tell them about it. You'll just reply a simple "good, how are you?", and that will be all.
So, to answer your question, I always say "Good" or "Fine" or "Okay", but it doesn't really matter. Nobody takes what you say seriously because the answer is universal.
2006-11-12 12:34:14 · answer #3 · answered by cleatus!! the pig! 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Is everything YOU say to or ask another person of utmost importance? Do you expect an answer for every time you ask how someone is? Probably not. These expressions are usually intended as a form of politeness, and acknowledgement, not a fishing expedition for detailed answers. So just be polite back and say "I'm grateful to be alive today!" and leave it at that.
2006-11-12 12:30:19 · answer #4 · answered by themom 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I've thought of posting this same question ! Why ask a question when you don't want to hear or even care about the answer ? Why not just say "hi " ? So I can see your point. I just say fine and let it go at that.
2006-11-12 12:42:15 · answer #5 · answered by Vinegar Taster 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It is just a way of being kind and friendly. It does not mean that they are really looking for a story and it does not mean that they do not care either. When someone asks "how are you?" just say "fine and you?" Even though you might be having a bad day. Overall you are fine. That's it. :-)
2006-11-12 12:48:32 · answer #6 · answered by Dewy 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Say I'm happy sad or whatever emotion your feeling and then maybe even tell why. Such as I'm happy because I just aced my history test! It will start a conversation making the question not pointless. Also some people really do care.
Good Luck and God Bless
2006-11-12 12:42:05 · answer #7 · answered by ZinaBeena 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The point isn't that they really care how you're doing, but rather that they ACKNOWLEDGED you in the first place. It is a natural gesture.
You could respond simply by acknowledging them back. You could say something that leads to a conversation. Your choice.
Most people say "fine thanks, how're you?" Others choose something more clever, humourous, memorable, etc. You could say "I have a pulse" "Still breathing" "Never better" "Outstanding" "SSDD" "Fantastic" or whatever you want.
It all depends on if you want a conversation, or how you want to be perceived.
2006-11-12 12:44:02 · answer #8 · answered by pandora the cat 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
"How are you?"
or
"Fine, thank you. Isn't it a great day today?"
Play the little game and get it over with. No hard feelings will result.
2006-11-12 12:28:37 · answer #9 · answered by *babydoll* 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
dont say the typical "fine", say why and change the subject.
2006-11-12 12:29:14 · answer #10 · answered by A.J. 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋