The question "How are you?" is a very common way to greet and establish contact with the interlocutor. The answer to this question is not as easy as it seems, and it is not always clear how best to respond. In professional situations or when meeting a new person, you can give a short and kind answer. When interacting with a close friend or family member, you can respond in more detail to initiate a deep conversation. To make your answer relevant, consider certain factors based on your social situation.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: The Short Standard Answer
Step 1. Answer
“Okay, thanks,” or: “I'm fine, thank you.” These answers can be used when communicating with a stranger. For example, say this to someone you know at a party or someone you just met in a relaxed atmosphere.
These answers will also be relevant when communicating at work, such as with a colleague, client, or boss
Step 2. If you want to demonstrate a positive and friendly attitude, respond
"Not bad" - or: "I'm not complaining." Or here are other options: "Not so bad", - or: "Everything is fine." These responses are a good way to demonstrate a positive attitude to a colleague, client, boss, or acquaintance.
Step 3. If you feel unwell but want to be polite, tell me
"I'm fine, thank you". The development of actions will already be determined by the interlocutor - he can either continue the conversation or ask you a few more leading questions.
This is a good answer if you don’t want to lie about how you feel, but don’t want to be too candid
Step 4. When answering, make eye contact with the person
Even if you just want to be polite and strive for a short answer, still look the other person in the eye. Relax and lower your arms, and turn your body towards the person to demonstrate positive body language. This will allow the other person to feel more at ease during the conversation.
You can also smile or nod to show friendliness
Method 2 of 3: A Conversation Progression Response
Step 1. Answer in detail to your best friend, family member, or partner
Chances are, you are close to these people and trust them on an intimate level. Tell them about your feelings in more meaningful and detailed way.
You can also share painful feelings with a colleague or friend with whom you have a close relationship
Step 2. Express your feelings
Answer: "To tell the truth, I feel …" - or: "You know, I was …". If you are feeling overwhelmed or going through difficult times, this is also worth mentioning so that loved ones can help you.
- For example, if lately you are not yourself or have not been feeling very well, you might reply: “Actually, lately I have been a little depressed. I think I have problems with stress and anxiety. "
- If you are cheerful and happy, you can answer: “You know, I feel great. Finally, I have a job I love, and now I am much more confident in myself. "
Step 3. Provide detailed information to the doctor's question
"How are you feeling?" Tell him if you feel unwell or if you have any health problems that bother you, as this will allow the doctor to prescribe appropriate treatment.
In general, it is important to answer honestly not only to the doctor, but also to any healthcare professional, such as a nurse or paramedic. If you are not feeling well, they need to know about it in order to help you
Step 4. If you are unwell, tell me
"I'm not very well," or, "I'm not feeling well." This will show you honestly letting the person know that you are feeling unwell. He may then ask you more questions about your condition or express empathy.
Use this answer only if you want to talk about your illness or ailment. Typically, it encourages the person to find out more information and try to make you feel better
Step 5. Complete your answer with words
"Thanks for asking". Let the person know that you value their question and their willingness to listen to you. This is a good way to end your response on a positive note, even if you say you are not feeling well or complained about how bad things are going.
You can say: “I appreciate that you asked about my well-being, thank you,” or: “Thank you for listening.”
Step 6. Ask the interlocutor how he is doing
Show the person that you want to develop the conversation by also asking how they are doing.
- For example, you might say, “I'm fine, thanks for asking. How are you? "- or:" It's okay, thanks. And how are you?"
- Perhaps the person will simply nod, say: “Everything is fine,” or: “Everything is fine,” and then he will go on about his business. Don't be discouraged - the question is "how are you?" sometimes it is not perceived as a real invitation to a meaningful conversation.
Method 3 of 3: Learn to Read the Situation Correctly
Step 1. Consider your relationship with the person
If you are close to him or have already discussed your personal experiences or feelings with him, it probably makes sense to give a detailed answer. If you are not very familiar with him, for example, you only work together or communicate through a friend or family member, you should probably just answer briefly and kindly.
- In addition, you can give a detailed answer if you want to develop your relationship with this person on a deeper level and become closer to him.
- Be careful when you open up just because you feel uncomfortable, but you are not really very close to the other person.
Step 2. Pay attention to when and where the person is interested in how you are doing
If he asks this at work at the coffee maker, he probably expects a short, polite answer that is appropriate in an office setting. If a person asks about this when you are having a drink or dinner after work or school, you can give them a more detailed and personal answer.
- If you are in the company of other people, keep it short and kind, as it may not always be appropriate to give a detailed or personal answer to those around you.
- Generally, if you are with friends or family, it is okay to give a detailed answer. If you are around coworkers, friends, or authority figures, a polite and short answer may be more appropriate.
Step 3. Pay attention to the person's body language
Does he make eye contact with you and stand still with his whole body turned towards you? Typically, these are signs that the other person wants to connect with you on a deeper level and that they are ready to communicate.