is it Fine, thank you and youself???
2007-03-15 06:26:55 · 31 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Etiquette
Exactly as you said it. It is considered a polite greeting, does not mean what it sounds like it means, it is NOT an invitation to give them a detailed medical report, they really do not want to know - and you don't want to hear theirs either.
2007-03-15 06:33:56 · answer #1 · answered by Rowena 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think some people are too sensitive about this, and others take it far more literally than they should. It is a PLEASANTRY.
There are ways, however to ask the same question but the tone can differentiate it from a pleasantry.
The pleasantry way, you asked casually with hardly any eye-contact.
Otherwise, I give the person a hug (or hold a hand, or nothing, depending on my relationship with the person), and/or look them caringly and straight in the eye and very softly and slowly ask, "How ARE you", emphasizing on the ARE. And if they misunderstand that as a pleasantly, I'll insist, "How are you, REALLY", just as softly and slowly.
But I do the latter only if they have gone through a traumatic experience such as a death, a divorce, or another devastating loss, as I indicate that I'm ready to listen if they need to talk.
2007-03-15 13:36:01 · answer #2 · answered by mostinstantkarma 2 · 3⤊ 1⤋
Read or see "Brave New World". The people in the ultra-futuristic world have gotten this so routine that they just say:
"Hello-how-are-you-I'm-fine-thank-you. These are your messages." Or whatever else they have to say.,
They actually take care of the whole exchange in one breath.
What a beuatiful way to cynically show us how nasty we are becoming, that we just don't care.
If there is a person who might actually care, I'll say something true.
And that may still be good, you know.
But the average person will get a "hangin' in!" from me when I'm great and a
"hangin in..." from me when I'm not.
2007-03-15 13:37:01 · answer #3 · answered by starryeyed 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Depends if you're trying to start a conversation or not. Try to sound positive, even if you're not doing so great. Tell them "thank you" for asking. If you would like to continue the conversation, ask them how they are doing. If you are busy, Be polite, they'll them for instance "fine, thank you. I hope you are doing well yourself but I must be going.". You can usually tell by a persons posture, and tone if they are just asking, or trying to engage in a conversation.
2007-03-15 13:43:13 · answer #4 · answered by shootdraxxus 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
yep my first instinct is to say 'fine/good and you?' but that's so generic. - everyone says it!
But if you say OK, or so-so - you now opened up a whole can of worms and people get a little curious.
I simply now just give them a quick nod of my head and a smile and move on if I don't feel all that social
2007-03-15 14:00:30 · answer #5 · answered by M A D 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Almost 100% of the time I say exactly what you wrote, it is automatic. Some of the time I am not even really 'fine'.
2007-03-15 13:30:23 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
yes if I meet some one new.
but old friends or people I used to work with>>>>
I am great and how are you? !!!
or
I could be better but then I'd be you !! hahahaha
no use complainin and I could get fired if I did. hahahahahaha
but lately it's:
I'm fine ...
no thanks, I'm married :) lol
2007-03-15 13:48:06 · answer #7 · answered by to tell ya the truth........... 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes it is Fine, Thank you and yourself?
2007-03-15 13:42:04 · answer #8 · answered by Jacuzzi Lover 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Just fine thank you and yourself?
2007-03-15 13:36:44 · answer #9 · answered by Bob J 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's a common greeting showing interest in you. "Say fine, thanks - and you?" This is not the time to give them your medical history since they last saw you.
2007-03-15 13:42:55 · answer #10 · answered by amishpantry 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋