I hate it when people say "Hi! How are you?" as I'm passing them in the hall. Is it okay to just say "Hey" rather than stop walking and say "Good! How are you?" and wait for a response?
I really don't understand how this social protocol works. Do they expect me to stop and make small talk? Am I supposed to just say "good" and not reciprocate this thought-provoking question, as if I don't care how they are?
2007-03-20 05:54:07 · 12 answers · asked by fail r us 3 in Society & Culture ➔ Etiquette
Just the fact that everyone is giving conflicting answers proves my point - that "how are you?" is the stupidest greeting ever.
DO YOU STOP AND CHAT OR NOT?
2007-03-20 09:50:10 · update #1
"How are you" is polite rhetoric, and is not meant as a serious inquiry, but as a greeting only, when said in passing. Imagine how someone would react if you actually stopped and answered the question. "Oh, I'm terrible. I was sick last week, and my dog died. Then, the cable company overcharged me, my dishwasher backed up all over the floor, and this morning, my car died in traffic".
Responding with a polite, "Good morning", or "Hello", is sufficient.
2007-03-20 06:05:25 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
If I say, "Hi. How are you?" and you tell me, "hey". Chances of me talking with you again are slim. If I ask you that you that question, I expect an answer. Even if you're walking by, say good, bad, whatever and stop for a second. When people just say "hi" and don't ask a question, then "hey" is appropriate, if not, then you make very small talk for a couple seconds. It's a matter of being nice. Common courtesy.
2007-03-20 12:59:31 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
People are starting to regard "how are you" as another way of saying Hi. Some people are actually expecting a response to the question while others assume it is just a friendly greeting. I know what you mean. it's hard to tell when to start a conversation, and it's hard to know how to get someone to start a conversation!
2007-03-20 13:27:12 · answer #3 · answered by sourdough Bread 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You just jump at the chance to spread love. You should take time out ya day to spread love. Its just the same as paying tithes. Just think about the blessing you give someone when you stop and talk for a minute,unless you cant spare the time but its like are you really that busy, to busy to give and recieve a blessing.
2007-03-20 13:00:47 · answer #4 · answered by ISA7818 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Even when some people stop to ask "how are you", they truly don't care how you are or if you answer it. They just say it for conversation. They could ask and you could have been having the worst day and want to talk and they frankly don't care. I would just say hey.
2007-03-20 13:29:03 · answer #5 · answered by Mia Anne *6.6.09* 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
you dont have to respond with "good", "fine", etc. or even ask them how they are back. it's just a polite gesture to ask. some people don't even think about it before saying "how are you?", it's just a habit. a simple "hey" in response, or even a smile is fine.
2007-03-20 12:58:45 · answer #6 · answered by bldy27valentine 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I agree. I also don't like how it is assumed you are suppossed to say something positive. I answered "pretty good" once and somebody wanted to know why I wasn't doing great.
2007-03-20 12:58:22 · answer #7 · answered by yellow_raven1978 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's an okay respnose. "Hey" is not a very polite way to greet someone.
2007-03-20 13:13:05 · answer #8 · answered by Lov'n IT! 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
ha, I don't.
Some one asks me something, I'll be up the stairs before they finish the greeting.
I don't have time for idle chit-chat, I got livin' to do
2007-03-20 12:59:08 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's just to be friendly. My response is usually "Lousy. I'm here."
2007-03-20 13:24:07 · answer #10 · answered by Experto Credo 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋