Why is it that when people say "How r u?" and I say "Fine, how r u?" Why don't they answer?

Question

For example someone will say "Hi, Cas how are you?" and I will say "Fine. How are you?" then they will say nothing in response.
Have you ever had this happen to you, or have you ever responded in this way? Do you have any idea why this happens?

Answer 1

I am a teller at a bank in south MS. I have noticed the same thing. Which we do have a lot of strange customers....Lol. I have no idea why people don't respond

Answer 2

I've had that happen. It is meant more as a greeting than a question. Next time that person asks how you are doing, go into a 20-minute long description of every mundane detail in your life.

Answer 3

Even though 'how are you?' is phrased as a question, it's not really meant as such, it's just another way of saying 'hi'. Many people don't think a response is needed when both people have said 'hi'.

Answer 4

That question has somehow become a way of saying hello,
Just answer as you normally would, n move on.

Answer 5

those words are simply meaningless now. They have turned into a programmed greeting. Of course people dont really want to know how one is.

Answer 6

When this happens to me, I repeat myself loudly and wait for their response.

Answer 7

I usually wait a second, then nod knowingly....

YA< SUCKS TO BE YOU HUH?

And when they ask what you are talking about, repeat "and how are you?"

Answer 8

actually this is very wired
it normally dosen't happen

if they don't answer at how are you may be ask another question or repeat yourself louder and they might answer

Answer 9

i dont care how people are and i dont ask them,when people ask me how i am i say "normal"

Answer 10

It's just "small talk". They don't really care how you are or care to explain how they are.