"great" "wonderful" "OK" when you feel like crap? I've run into problems with this by being honest. Have You?
2007-08-19 07:37:34 · 16 answers · asked by hobo 7 in Society & Culture ➔ Etiquette
It's called a "common courtesy" to answer back. If you don't feel well or feel sad, just say, " Thanks, but I've had better days."
2007-08-19 07:42:54 · answer #1 · answered by Shortstuff13 7 · 4⤊ 0⤋
I usually just say fine or okay, if i'm not having the best day. I say good or great if I'm having a good day. I was just raised to be polite when answering that question...no need for me to spill all my problems to someone I know but am not very close to (like a coworker) as opposed to someone I am close to (like my best friend). The people who really care about how you're doing are usually the people you are closest to anyway.
2007-08-19 10:08:48 · answer #2 · answered by Angelia 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
You are expected to say something in reply because you were asked a question. We all feel crappy atleast 1/3 of the time because of illness or something going on in our lives. Just say "pretty good" and ask how they are in return. It's not going to hurt you to be courteous.
2007-08-19 10:20:41 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
AAhhh... Miss Manners to the rescue... and I quote:
The answer to "How are you?" is not "Uhhh," nor "How should I be?" .... The answer ... is always a hearty, "Very well, thank you; how are you?" A truly disciplined person would never reply anything else, even in a hospital emergency room at midnight.
Aaaa.. Miss Manners, where ARE you when we need you?
2007-08-19 08:29:25 · answer #4 · answered by wyomugs 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
When people in casual conversation say "How are you?" , it is less a question about how you actually are, but more a wish that you are well. That is the reason you always say that you are doing fine. Also, it isn't polite to drag casual aquaintances into our problems.
2007-08-19 11:48:57 · answer #5 · answered by missbeans 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
THis annoys me when ppl ask in passing. It actually makes me angry that they would feign interest, but can't even stop for your answer. My boss does this as she is walking by in th emorning, barely enought ime for me to say "fine". I dont ask ppl this when I dont care, I only ask for a real response. And I actually wait for the response. Otherwise, a "hello!" will suffice!
2007-08-20 09:42:49 · answer #6 · answered by Jukebox 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Just say, "Fine, thanks" and be done with it, even if you're having a bad day. It's just the courteous thing to do.
If you feel like messing with someone, say, "Well, today has really sucked and here's why...." Chances are, that person won't ask again.
2007-08-19 08:01:08 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
out of common courtesy say im doing fine, or something like that even if you are having a rough day. if you ignore them, you may appear rude or somethin, but thats just me and what i do
2007-08-19 07:44:31 · answer #8 · answered by wild_and_free_spirit 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Our problems are not everyone's business. So only be "honest" with your best friends.
2007-08-19 07:42:00 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 0⤋
I have a list of cute one liners I use when asked "how are you?"
Moderately neato
I'm super, thanks for asking!
Counting the minutes until happy hour!
I'm awake and dressed, what more can you ask for?
I'm glad you asked...do you have a minute and I can talk to you about my irritable bowel symptoms?
2007-08-20 17:43:57 · answer #10 · answered by BOB PHX 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋