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We have greetings or conversations like those, that are just short and detached enough to acknowledge each others' existence as human beings travelling about our busy lives so as to not look totally aloof, but not long and involved enough to actually have to inconvenience each other, dig into personal detail or direct our paths astray too far.
They're social signals, for better or for worse that "I'm here" and "You're here" and our paths are crossing for a moment and I see that you're present.
Stumbler,
I understand. Good point. That makes great sense. And I had an idea as such, but it just seems so pointless and cold.
Nobody really wants to get to know anybody, They want to bounce around on the outskirts and ask only general questions to get by.
I know, for the most part it is just to avoid any awkward moments. I think.
Next time someone asks you that, just be honest and say "Look, I really don't like to be asked that", and then no one in the office will want to talk to you, and problem solved!
We have greetings or conversations like those, that are just short and detached enough to acknowledge each others' existence as human beings travelling about our busy lives so as to not look totally aloof, but not long and involved enough to actually have to inconvenience each other, dig into personal detail or direct our paths astray too far.
They're social signals, for better or for worse that "I'm here" and "You're here" and our paths are crossing for a moment and I see that you're present, more than actual invitations to conversation a lot of the time (though that intent is there of course sometimes).
Great reply! I view "how are you" simply as an extension of hello or hi, a little more drawn out for people you are more familiar with, and gives the option for simple acknowledgement or conversation, depending on the situation and the individuals involved.
You know the typical, everyday hey how are you greeting? Everyday?
I just kind of get sick of saying the same expected answer. The response always has to be....I'm good or doing great. Something positive obviously. It's such BS to me. It's pretentious chit chat. And I don't like it.
I know it is basic chit chat and just trying to make conversation I guess. Or people just don't know what else to say. But it gets old to me.
Is there anything else that I can say other than I'm doing great or I'm fantastic.
The problem that I have with it is that on most days, I'm not doing so great. So, i guess just to keep human relationships chill....I have to say something positive. Even if my tone may reflect something different. Which I feel is something I can't deny. I am how I am on any given day. Usually, it's never the expected answer. So sick of it.
IMO, I just get kind of sick of having to say I'm good all of the time.
It's like Jim Carrey said in Truman's Show...
"Good morning, and in case I don't see ya: Good afternoon, good evening, and good night!"
Sometimes I feel like Billy Joel's song, "Honesty, such a lonely word. Everyone is so untrue."
And it seems like you don't want to go along with this little game.
You want to be more genuine.
I like the humorous come-backs for those who ask "How are you" just to be polite but don't really care.
Maybe you can pick 3 of your favorites to rotate between. lol
For those who seem to care & if you have time, tell them how you're really doing.
Sometimes I respond to "how are you" with "I'm here!"
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Sometimes I respond to "how are you" with "I'm here!"
