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Related: Culture Forums, Support ForumsDo you ask your friends "how are you ?"...
or words to that effect.
I do. I'm just curious about everyone else's usual habits.
3 votes, 0 passes | Time left: Unlimited | |
Yes | |
1 (33%) |
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No | |
1 (33%) |
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Other (see my post) | |
1 (33%) |
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In_The_Wind
(72,300 posts)Sekhmets Daughter
(7,515 posts)and I actually listen to their reply.
steve2470
(37,457 posts)I ask this question because I've known people who never ever ask this question or something close to it. It's made me curious over the years.
Sekhmets Daughter
(7,515 posts)but don't want to know.
steve2470
(37,457 posts)At least by not asking, you're not being phony or hypocritical.
Sekhmets Daughter
(7,515 posts)over the years...but I think it has led to an overall loss of connection...
steve2470
(37,457 posts)That's how I feel, anyway. Trivial ? I guess that can be debated. By asking and actually caring about the answer, you really show you care.
My working theory about the others is a) they don't care, b) they expect you to just volunteer how you are with your news, etc, or c) both. I try to lean towards "b" but I have wondered over the years.
Sekhmets Daughter
(7,515 posts)We ask, because we care. I lean toward (a) and if they don't ask, I don't tell.
steve2470
(37,457 posts)Maybe I should ? I don't tell either, unless I'm having a really good day or really bad day. We're on the same page.
Sekhmets Daughter
(7,515 posts)I think your approach to the issue is just right! When I rant about a bad day, people laugh.
steve2470
(37,457 posts)They laugh ? Because you're funny about it ?
Sekhmets Daughter
(7,515 posts)I can find the humor in most situations....and if I can't find the humor, I find it too painful to talk about. A character flaw, I'm sure...I have a ton of those.
Nikia
(11,411 posts)And get sincere answers. While everyone has their own level of comfort with answering this question honestly, someone who cannot answer me beyond "good, fine, ok" is probably not really my friend (unless we are time constrained, walking past each other on our way to something important). If I don't really care about their answer, they are definitely not my friend.
steve2470
(37,457 posts)Wait Wut
(8,492 posts)I have some friends that I don't dare ask. They'll actually tell me...for hours. Other greeting questions to avoid:
1. What's up?
2. What's new?
3. How are the kids?
4. Beautiful day, isn't it?
5. Anything inviting a response.
I have FB. If I want to know that your significant other didn't put the toilet seat down and it ruined your week, I'll see it on your status.
steve2470
(37,457 posts)Gorp
(716 posts)triguy46
(6,028 posts)femmocrat
(28,394 posts)When I pass by people at work, they always say, "Hi, how are you?" I just answer, "Fine, thanks" and keep walking. Or they ask, "How was your weekend (or holiday, whatever)?"
Am I supposed to ask them "And you?".... by then we have both walked on a few steps.
I just find it awkward because I doubt if they really give a damn about how I am. And I don't feel like telling them anyhow. Strange social custom, IMO.