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Answering "How are you?"

AC

I generally find the concept of lying abhorrent, so dread the question, especially when I am not OK - which happens often.

I have sometimes paused to think about the answer, which has led to "What's wrong?", to which my answer has been, cryptically, "it's complicated". End of conversation.

It's not that I don't want to talk about it, I do. I just don't feel comfortable in opening up, especially the risk of not being asked again, and generally ignored in the future.

Is it just me?

Parents

  • There's an improv technique called "Yes And Technique" worth doing a search on to deal with social life.

    Answer the question with a question:

    Q. How are you

    A. Ah, but the better question is, how are you??

    Answer by turning how into what:

    Q. How are you

    A. Well, the earth is in orbit and it's two-o-clock

    Answer the question with the hard cold truth.

    Q. How are you

    A. Well, now I feel awkward and invaded, so thanks for that. Let me buy you a drink and we can talk about something more interesting.

    Answer the question with the improv technique.

    Q. How are you

    A. Yes. How am I. And that's a lovely shirt you've got on.

    This last one takes work, but on the right day, if a hyperphant, you can indulge your imagination. If not, just pull random stuff from complexities in the surroundings. 

    But I hate this question. CLEARLY I've thought too much about how to navigate it. The first response is always a winner.

Reply

  • There's an improv technique called "Yes And Technique" worth doing a search on to deal with social life.

    Answer the question with a question:

    Q. How are you

    A. Ah, but the better question is, how are you??

    Answer by turning how into what:

    Q. How are you

    A. Well, the earth is in orbit and it's two-o-clock

    Answer the question with the hard cold truth.

    Q. How are you

    A. Well, now I feel awkward and invaded, so thanks for that. Let me buy you a drink and we can talk about something more interesting.

    Answer the question with the improv technique.

    Q. How are you

    A. Yes. How am I. And that's a lovely shirt you've got on.

    This last one takes work, but on the right day, if a hyperphant, you can indulge your imagination. If not, just pull random stuff from complexities in the surroundings. 

    But I hate this question. CLEARLY I've thought too much about how to navigate it. The first response is always a winner.

Children