Do you ask your friends "how are you ?"...

[steve2470]

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%)
	No
	1 (33%)
	Other (see my post)
	1 (33%)
	0 DU members did not wish to select any of the options provided.
Show usernames Disclaimer: This is an Internet poll

[In_The_Wind]

1. yes, I do

[Sekhmets Daughter]

2. But of course....

and I actually listen to their reply.

[steve2470]

3. me too !

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]

4. I am most fascinated by those who ask,

but don't want to know.

[steve2470]

5. good point

At least by not asking, you're not being phony or hypocritical.

[Sekhmets Daughter]

6. There has been a lot made of that

over the years...but I think it has led to an overall loss of connection...

[steve2470]

7. I think by asking, you're showing your friend you care

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]

8. I agree with you...

We ask, because we care. I lean toward (a) and if they don't ask, I don't tell.

[steve2470]

9. I don't automatically assume my friend wants to know

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]

10. Nope...

I think your approach to the issue is just right! When I rant about a bad day, people laugh.

[steve2470]

11. Thanks.

They laugh ? Because you're funny about it ?

[Sekhmets Daughter]

12. Yep....

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]

13. While it may be superficial for aquaintances or casual coworkers, I mean it sincerely for friends

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]

14. agreed nt

[Wait Wut]

15. Other.

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]

16. yea the super long response is way OTT imho nt

[Gorp]

17. Other: We usueally use "How's it hangin'?" Have for 35 years or more.

[triguy46]

18. At our age, it is a meaningful question!

[femmocrat]

19. Not usually... but I have to ask....

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.