Do you really want to know?

This great question, I am not American and I was supriced, why people ask me so many times how are you?I always wanted to ask, if I should answer or is it some kind of form , what the people use here. When I ask how are you, I really mean it.

I think it's just nice common courtesy to ask, "oh, hi, how are you?" And then just have the fine thank you reply. But I can't tell you what a real turn off it is to have someone reply by telling me every single malady they've had since they were born, or give an "a to z" listing of their symptoms..it's like afterwards, I think to myself...gee, sorry I asked--LOL

When I say it, I almost always genuinely mean it. Lots of times I meet older people I know and it really doesn't bother me if they feel the need to tell me how they really are feeling (or doing.) Lots of times the ones that go on and on, are the ones that simply just need to have their concerns and feelings voiced. That in itself sometimes cheers them, just so that others know how they really are. It doesn't put me off in the least, I consider it an act of friendship to actively listen respectfully to someone who does that.

I do mean it, that is why I am very careful of whom I ask that question of, LOL. I know the ones you don't really want to get started, so to them I just say "hi" and smile. I know better. I do the same for strangers, just a simple "hello" and let it be. Not that I don’t have time for their problems, just some people will go on and on if asked. Too much detail and to personal for our relationship, I think. I mean there have been times I asked that question only to walk away knowing way more than I should know and kicking myself for asking. LOL

Yes, I seriously DO want to know how someone is. I work at a college and many times, I ask that question to a student, I can ALWAYS tell if they just say 'fine' because that's what you say . . . but if I detect more to it, I'll ask, "Are you sure?" And, inevitably, they will sit down and talk to me. I truly mean it when I ask. I really care about people and what they are going through. It helps me to know what to pray about.

Depends on who it is. :) If it's in a store and the clerk asks I assume she/he doesn't really care but if it's a family member or friend then I assume they do and give them more than a fine.

Sometimes I do but other times I want to know how the person feels. Most of the times, it is just the automatic reply that is imprinted in our brains that I go for.

I have been guilty of just saying it to be polite but there are times when I really want to know how they are. I think that it is obvious when I really want to know as I will go into detail and ask them about something in particular.

if I ask it I want to know it, if I just want courtesies I will simply say - hello friend :) I hope you are having a good day.