2006-11-27 23:40:21 · 14 answers · asked by beat_this_program 1 in Society & Culture ➔ Etiquette
I know, then I say,"fine thanks, you?" They don't answer and I look like an idiot.
2006-11-27 23:43:18 · answer #1 · answered by By Any Means Necessary 5 · 1⤊ 1⤋
At minimum, "How are you?" is a "mere" nicety that acknowledges your presence. The question may seem insincere, as they continue walking without waiting for your answer. I suppose that some people think it's less rude than silence. Perhaps they should have said, "Good morning" instead.
As it is, you can use this to your benefit. You can distinguish between the sincere person and the insincere person, or the person who is "personable" and one who is not.
Also, don't let this stop you from saying, "Good morning. How are you?" and from answering sincerely, "Fine, thanks. And you?" You have a better chance of reaping the benefits of courtesy by practicing courtesy. The cashier at the grocery will appreciate the "change of pace" and may help you a bit more in some way. Or maybe not, but you never know.
2006-11-27 23:53:05 · answer #2 · answered by RolloverResistance 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Wow, you recommend a guy treats you like airborne dirt and mud, does not even injury up with you, basically vanishes for 4 months....then the 2nd he finally calls, in the past 5am, you're off working to fulfill him...over an hour away? Sorry, yet it quite is unquestionably pathetic. i do no longer care why he called or why he stood you up...what I cant be certain is why you went working for him. go develop some self admire or no guy will ever cope with you nicely. heavily, 4 months pining for a guy that treats you like crap...reliable plan.
2016-12-14 08:03:35 · answer #3 · answered by lesniewski 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
In America how are you is kinda like hello. People dont expect a lengthy response. Unless of course you live in the south sometimes things move slower down there, and people care a little more, depends on the person.
2006-11-27 23:47:35 · answer #4 · answered by pegasis 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It's just a conventional greeting, not an actual question, unless you know the person. "How are you?" is a cultural form of politeness -- and every culture has those forms. In Hong Kong it's "Did you eat rice yet?" Imagine my surprise when being asked THAT the first time!!
2006-11-28 09:36:47 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
ha ha my manager does this. it's so they can be polite but obviously if they cared they would stop and ask. i like to answer with not so good today or i'm feeling pretty crappy today just to see if they are paying attention. nine times out of ten they aren't. sadly it's just as rude if not more rude to me to ask and keep walking. that's just telling me you're asking because you have to not because you actually care.
2006-11-28 01:25:35 · answer #6 · answered by butter_cream1981 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Because its become a basic, accepted greeting. They aren't being rude. And even when someone means it in the literal sense, we're just as apt to answer "fine" or "ok".... even if we aren't. Its no different than just saying "hi".... why read into it more than that.... unless its someone you're really close to.
2006-11-28 00:00:16 · answer #7 · answered by just_me3575 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
They might just be saying it out of habit to be nice. Really I think they could care less if they keep walking.
2006-11-27 23:48:35 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
"How are you?' is considered a salutation, not a question. It is commonly used as a greeting. Like your mother probably told you, when people ask you how you are they don't really want to know.
2006-11-27 23:49:55 · answer #9 · answered by alo 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Because it's polite to say that.
It's just like you saying 'hi' and walk on.
2006-11-27 23:44:00 · answer #10 · answered by cass 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
because they are trying to be nice. if they didn't ask you would have say they do not care.
do you have any idea how much it takes someone to ask someone else "how are you?
well, it means a lot to me.
2006-11-28 00:53:18 · answer #11 · answered by lizie 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋