People ask "How are you?" when they meet you to start a dialogue with you, but answering can be difficult, because you may not be sure what the right answer is. In professional settings, at work, or with an acquaintance, you can give a short and polite answer, while in other cases, like when talking to a close friend or family member, you can give a longer response and start a more detailed conversation. You can answer this common question correctly by making some considerations depending on the social situation in which you find yourself.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Give a Short and Ordinary Answer
Step 1. Reply with "Good, thank you" or "All right, thank you"
You can use such responses when talking to someone you aren't very familiar with, such as an acquaintance at a party or someone you just got to know causally.
You can also use these responses when you are having a conversation with someone at work, such as a colleague, client, or your boss
Step 2. Respond with "Not bad" or "Can't complain" if you want to sound positive and friendly
You can also say "Not bad" or "All right", because they are responses that allow you to present yourself with a positive attitude to a colleague, customer, boss or acquaintance.
Step 3. You can say "I'm better now, thank you" if you don't feel well, but you want to be polite
If you are unwell or have some disturbance, you can respond in this way to make it understood politely, so the other person can continue the conversation or ask more specific questions.
This is a good answer to give if you don't want to lie about how you feel, but you also don't want to be too honest or intimate with the other person
Step 4. Maintain eye contact when you answer
Interact with each other by making eye contact when you talk to them, even if you are trying to be polite or short in your response. Keep your arms relaxed at your sides and your body facing him to demonstrate positive body language so that the other feels more comfortable in conversation.
You can also smile or nod to be friendly
Method 2 of 3: Give a Response That Stimulates Conversation
Step 1. Give a detailed answer when replying to a close friend, family member, or partner
Probably, they are the people you are most familiar with and trust on a personal level, so tell them how you feel in a detailed and meaningful way.
You can also be honest and explain how you really feel to a colleague or close friend
Step 2. Tell how you feel
Answer by saying "Actually, I feel …" or "You know, lately I feel …"; if you are depressed or going through a difficult time, you can tell it so that your loved ones can help you.
- For example, you might say, "Actually, I've been feeling down for a while; I think I'm stressed and nervous" if you feel unwell or not satisfied with yourself.
- If you feel happy and positive, you can answer: "You know, I'm fine: I finally have a job that I like and I feel safer in this period".
Step 3. Give a detailed answer when your doctor asks how you are
Explain to him why you are not feeling well or what health problem is affecting you so that he can give you the right therapy.
You should also give an honest answer to other medical professionals, such as nurses and paramedics, because if you are not well they need to know so they can help you feel better
Step 4. Answer "Not good" or "I think I have something" if you feel bad
This response will allow you to be honest and will let the other know that you are not feeling well; the interlocutor may ask you further questions and show solidarity with you.
Use this answer only if you want to talk about your illness or discomfort with the other person: usually, it is a way to entice the other to find out more and make you feel better
Step 5. Conclude your answer with a "Thank you for asking"
Let the other person know that you appreciate their question and their willingness to listen to your long answer, as this is a great way to end your story on a positive note, even if you have said you feel bad or a little down.
You can also say "I am grateful to you for asking how I am, thank you" or "Thank you for listening to me"
Step 6. Ask the other how he is
Show the interlocutor that you intend to deepen the conversation by asking him in turn "And you, how are you?" after answering your question.
- For example, you can say "I'm fine, thanks for asking, what about you?" or "Everything okay, thanks, how are you?".
- When you ask the same question, some may nod and say "I'm fine" or "All right" and then walk away, but don't be discouraged, because asking someone how they are is not always intended as a real invitation to linger and talk more. long.
Method 3 of 3: Correctly Interpret the Situation
Step 1. Consider your relationship with the person in front of you
If you are familiar and have already told her about your personal experiences or feelings before, it may be normal for you to give a detailed answer, but if you don't know her well, such as a colleague or someone you know through a friend. or a family member, it is preferable that you give a short and polite answer.
- You can give a detailed answer if you intend to develop your relationship with that person to deepen it or become familiar with them.
- Be careful when you confide, as you may feel uncomfortable and not really close to that person.
Step 2. Notice when and where a person asks you how you are
If he asks you at work, in front of the coffee machine, he will expect a short and courteous answer that is suitable for a work environment, while if he asks you while you are at the bar or at dinner after school or work, then you can give a more detailed and personal answer.
- If you are in a group, you can choose a short and polite answer, as it may be inappropriate to give a detailed and personal answer in the presence of others.
- In most cases, if you are with friends or family, giving a detailed answer is fine, while if you are in the presence of colleagues, peers or authority figures, it is more appropriate to answer briefly.
Step 3. Pay attention to the interlocutor's body language
Notice if he maintains eye contact with you and stands still, with his body facing you - usually these signals indicate a person who wants to connect with you more deeply and start a conversation with you.
