When Someone Asks "How are you?" . . .

If someone asks me how I am, I always take the time to ask them how they are in return. And, now when someone asks me how I am, I say, "better that most, worse than some."

No, that's just how some people are. If everyone did everything the same way we do it, the world would really be boring.

Not really, she probably takes your How are you, just as a form of hello. I don't like it when people ask it all the time, when they don't really care. Not saying you don't, but most aren't that sincere about it.

Yes, a formality. One of those civil things society expects. Extended the hand of friendship I suppose. Yes, what you said does 'ink' me. People are so inhuman being human.

I do not know if it irks me, but I kind of use it as a measuring tool if its all the time thing. I will eventually just know they not the type of person I would want to talk to anyway. Kind of like when I call people brother and they say, do not call me brother. I am not your brother. It is a quick measuring tool to know what kind of person they are.

No it won't..Many do that. As you said they just take it like an extension of Hello.

I would respond : I am fine , thank you ! and how are you ! I think your neighbor's response isn't the done thing.

@much2say Some people are like this. I usually ask them well too. We do not know what mood he was in. It is better for us to pass regardless. He knows you are Good So he could have asked nothing Just want to cheerup Have a good day

No that is just how some people are.

I think that if someone inquires how I am it is only polite to ask about them and it is so simple to say I am fine or doing alright And you? It does not take much and is very polite to do this,

No. I sometimes say, "Well, my foot pain is flaring up a bit, but my hemorrhoids are dying down." Then I pause and then say "How about you?"

Depends on who is asking. Mostly I say I'm ok how are you? Sometimes I'd tell them exactly how I am and then say that's enough about me how are you Maybe your neighbour is just a bit socially awkward?

I think it varies according to culture and country. I think not many in Asia ask on a regular basis. Mostly by gesture, wave to each other I respond - Thank you, all good. How about you? Hope you are doing well

For me when someone tells me 'how are you?' I would just respond fine.

Years ago, an acquaintance told me he didn't like this formality. He felt it was forced, mechanical and insincere. Over the years, I have heard different ones express this point of view. Perhaps this individual shares this perspective and feels uncomfortable, wishing to avoid becoming part of an exchange he feels is just for show. I think the reason is that many people respond without really paying attention and then the pleasantries turn into platitudes. People are stressed and rushed and distracted. It takes a toll on good human relations.

That’s odd they don’t ask how’s it going back at you!

I usually do as you do, I say "I am fine thank you. How are you?" I would not ask anymore to someone who only answer "good".

Yes that would irk me too. When someone ask how I am I generally respond with I'm good and ask them how they're doing in return. Just common curtesy. Your post reminds me of my dad. When someone asked how he was doing his response was always lousy. He said it made people stop and think and I guess respond. Of course he wasn't lousy but he got a kick out of seeing peoples reaction.

I do respond with " I am fine" when someone asks me " How are you " and I do try to continue the chat if he or she is free but I avoid if I guess the person is trying to just draw my attention and has some bad intentions. I usually have to show this cold behavior to my neighbour's who are very wicked.

It doesn't irk me. It's just a bit of mindless chitter chatter. I usually respond with "Fine. How are you?" If it's a server they usually thank me for asking. Have a good weekend.