How are you?

It drives me nuts when someone asks me this. Why? Because half the time the person really doesn't want to know. For a lot of people its just a habit to ask, and if you are not doing well, they really don't want to know, they are just asking because it seems the polite thing to do. So i usually respond with "You want the truth or the lie." Then i usually have to explain why i say that. Oh i must add that i started asking my question when someone asked me how i was doing, i told the truth, and was told well i didn't really care, i was just asking to be polite.

Hi! Here in the States, I have learned that they always say this. I think it's like saying, "hello". Even on the phone, there is this opening line all the time. The question is, as you also asked, is this a sincere question, or just a matter of formality? With my experience here in the States (I am Asian by the way), I have learned that some people are sincere and some are not. In any case, I would always respond with "I'm good". I don't know if this is the right response either but it seems like it is okay.

I am from the USA WV to be exact, and here we use it as a common courtesy, something that breaks the ice to hear about someones day, and how they're doing. Of course if someone is going to set there and tell you all their problems, most likely your going to have a very short conversation with them, if any, but if they are contrary and nice, most likely you will have a good conversation starter there. Personally I think that it is very friendly to greet someone in this manner, and to see how they are doing. Sometimes people just need to talk about stuff, and if you show them that you are willing to listen, well that would just make this world a better place. Even a smile can change someones day, and to open the door for someone, well that's just something else lol. Great discussion.

It really depends on who you are talking with. These words are good opening to conversations. And I think that this is one sentence being spoken every where. It is not very often that you will encounter a person who is really sincere of knowing your current status especially if this person is not so close to you. And more persons are more concerned on their own selves than on others. Maybe I'll sincerely answer this question or honestly tell my current status to persons who are very close to me. Other than me, my only answer would usually be, "I'm very fine. How about you?"