Why is "How are you [doing]?" an acceptable greeting?

Question

I spent a lot of time by myself as a child. When I came out into the real world, one of the main things that I couldn't understand about the way that people talked was the fact that some people say,

How are you?
or How are you doing?

in response to my hello. I've looked up etymologies 'n such, but I cannot find anything that explains this weird response. I even figured out why Bill = William, but I can't figure out why people ask "how" anything is when they really just want to know what going on in your life.

My natural response to "How are you?" would be along the lines of, "How am I what? How am I, literally? Well, I am because I was born, I guess."

My natural response to "How are you doing?" would be, "How am I doing what?"

The word HOW refers to the cause or source of something, does it not?

Answer 1

Unfortunately, it more than likely is just another meaningless niceity that people use when meeting others. Few people who ask 'How are you' really care.

Think of it as platitude similar to any other greeting from which no real response is expected. They've aknowledged your existance and that is far as they are willing to go at seeming civil.

Answer 2

It's great that you question yourself about such matters, but I think sometimes the way people speak shouldn't be taken literally. When someone asks me "How are you?" I understand they want to know whether I'm well or not. As when they say "How's it hanging?" Well, nothing's hanging but I'm fine.
I'd like to know the reason why William became Bill.

Answer 3

"how are you" is a general question about your health or your mental state. People dont really expect a detailed answer unless its someone who is visiting the hospital or something.

An acceptable response is " I'm fine thank you (for asking) , How are you ?

Think of it as a social ritual that starts communication.

Answer 4

it comes from 'how do you fare'. saying pretty much how do you feel, anything new in your life, hows life treating you, is your day going well. those sorta things.

Answer 5

they both mean the same thing

to say "how are you doing?" means that they are asking you how you are doing in life. its general. so it means how are you.