when you say "Hi, how you doin'?" All they do is go through a litany of their complaints about their general health, their depression, how they can't stand their relatives, yada, yada, yada. What do you say to them to stop them with all the moaning and complaining about everything in their lives?
2007-07-27 03:34:14 · 14 answers · asked by Anglcake 5 in Society & Culture ➔ Etiquette
Never ask "how you doin'" again. Just say Hi and go straight to your desk after you greet them.
2007-07-27 03:40:32 · answer #1 · answered by AJ 2 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Well, obviously, to fully avoid the answer, you simply don't ask the question.
On the other hand, think of the benefits of listening. It's a skill people use surprisingly little. In fact, ten to one that you don't REALLY listen to what the person is saying. So another option is just putting some real interest in what the is being said.
If you do the second thing, then you should not only listen, but also try to put solutions to their problems( and trust me, there is ALWAYS a solution). When you do that, you'll get one of two responses:
1. The person will take note of your suggestions. They will start to be happier and complain less. You'll have a new friend.
2. They'll just throw out your suggestions and keep on complaining saying that things aren't that simple and that their lives are so difficult and that... (you get the idea). That is because they actually like complaining. In this case: be ruthless. Put a solution to every problem the give you. They'll end up getting tired of it and just complain to someone else.
Hope I helped. Good luck!
2007-07-27 12:04:13 · answer #2 · answered by shasha m 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
What you could say is, "Wow. I'm sorry to hear about. Today will be better than yesterday. You'll see." Or "Man, that sucks." and then walk away. Or even better yet and a for sure way to 'stop them with all the moaning and complaining about everything in their lives' is just not to talk to them. A wave and a nod is a good way to keep the silence without the rudeness. And besides..you might want to look at your question and think on it. It looks like you might be doing some complaining yourself.
2007-07-27 10:42:07 · answer #3 · answered by a Goddess of Fluffyness 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
The first thing that came to mind is don't ask her that question!!! :-) Instead how bout, 'It's such a beautiful day out that I want to get busy right away!' or 'It seemed like you were in a down mood yesterday, but I hope it's changed, cause today is a new day and I want to get straight to working.'
It's kinda like you're acknowledging her still, yet not giving her the chance to reply, cause you want to get to work!!! Good luck!
2007-07-27 10:40:38 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
It might be easier on you if you stopped after the word "Hi." :-)
Just say good morning, smile and keep on walking.
If you get caught... wait for their breath pause (you got to be fast!), look at your watch and say, I'm sorry to interrupt, but I've got some pressing work I've got to get done right now. Then run away. :-)
Good luck!
2007-07-27 11:00:34 · answer #5 · answered by TC 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
it requires a listening heart.
it could be an opportunity
for you to be of help
simply by listening.
be a positive influence
to them by being good-natured
and optimistic about things.
set a good example
by doing your best
despite the trying moments.
remember, patience is a virtue.
2007-07-27 10:44:50 · answer #6 · answered by james easy 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I think it's good that they actually answer the question honestly. If you don't want to hear the truth then don't ask them how they are doing. Why is everyone expected to lie and say "oh I'm fine" when they're really not?
2007-07-27 11:00:53 · answer #7 · answered by lookoutthewindow 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Don't ask a question you don't want an answer for.
Most people who ask how you are doing, really don't care and just say it bcause it's a habit after saying hello.
If you don't want to know, just say Hi and walk away
2007-07-27 10:47:09 · answer #8 · answered by moglie 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
When greeting the co-worker, instead of asking, "Hi, how you doin'?, say, "Hi, good to see you, have a nice day!" and continue moving to your destination.
2007-07-27 10:43:13 · answer #9 · answered by Mllon 1 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Hold up your hand and say, "Sounds like you have a lot on your mind. How about we schedule break time later so I can give you my full attention?"
99.9% of the time, people don't get back to me.
2007-07-27 10:39:36 · answer #10 · answered by Buttercup 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋