It is known that there is one nation whose representatives, instead of a friendly greeting or a polite “Hello,” usually ask “How are you?”
The question has taken root in the post-Soviet space, but some do not understand the subtext and sometimes begin to describe all the main events of the last days of life.
Let's find out in which case you can give a routine answer to a routine question, and when to start being frank.
How to answer "How are you?"
First, you need to figure out the purpose for which the question is being asked – there are four options.
1. Secretive – this is when the question is formal and serves more as a greeting. More often used by work colleagues.
In this case, it is appropriate to respond briefly: “Thank you, great.” Or something like that.
2. Discreet – this question is more personal. It may be asked by someone who is not yet a friend, but a person with whom you often have to see and maintain good relations. This may be a hairdresser, a mechanic from a car service, a seller of your favorite pastries, etc.
In this case, you can say something interesting, but without negativity. For example, "Thank you, everything is great, vacation is coming soon."
3. Confidential – this question can be asked by friends, good acquaintances or other people who are ready to listen to you. Here you can already hear confessions about some problems in your personal life. But you do not need to tell in great detail, go into philosophical reasoning or share political views.
The answer may be: “It’s been better,” “I’m so busy,” or “Everything is fine, but…” and so on.
4. Frank – and here you can be like an open book if the question was asked by a close friend or relative. Here you can talk about everything and in detail.
But remember that your loved one doesn’t have much time to listen to everything – value your time and the time of others.
Earlier we talked about how to stop comparing yourself to other people.
