The question "How are you?" often asked in conversation as a way to say hello and chat with someone. Answering these questions can be tricky, and you may not be sure how best to answer them. In a professional situation at work or with an acquaintance, you can give a polite and concise answer. In other situations, when talking to a close friend or family member, you can reply with a longer answer and encourage deeper conversation. With a few things in mind, you can correctly answer this common question depending on the social situation.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Giving Standard and Short Answers
Step 1. Reply with “OK, thank you” or “Good news, thank you
You can use this answer if you're talking to someone you don't know well in social situations, such as an acquaintance at a party or someone you just met while traveling.
You can also use the following answers if you are talking to someone at work, such as a coworker, client, or your boss
Step 2. Respond with “Not bad” or “Okay” if you want to sound positive and friendly
You can also say "All is well." they are a great way to show a positive attitude to a coworker, client, boss, or acquaintance.
Step 3. Say, "I'm fine, thanks" if you're not feeling well but want to sound polite
If you are feeling sick or not feeling well, you can use this answer to politely tell the person you are talking to. The person can continue the conversation or ask more about your situation.
This is a great answer if you don't want to lie about your situation, but don't want to be too honest or personal with the person
Step 4. Make eye contact with the person when answering
Have a conversation by looking her in the eye when answering her questions, even if you're trying to be polite or short. Place your arms relaxed by your sides with your body facing the other person for positive body language. This will make him feel more comfortable in the conversation.
You can also smile or nod to appear friendly
Method 2 of 3: Giving Answers to Encourage Conversation
Step 1. Give detailed answers when answering questions from a close friend, family member, or partner
They are most likely people you are close to and you trust personally. Tell your feelings more meaningfully and in detail.
You can also be honest and tell a coworker or friend about a situation that is close to how you feel right now
Step 2. Express how you feel
Respond by saying, “Actually, I'm feeling…” or “You know, I'm feeling…” If you're feeling depressed or going through a tough time, you can also tell your loved ones so that your loved ones can help you.
- For example, you might reply, “Actually, I've been feeling down lately. I think I'm having trouble with stress and anxiety” if you're not feeling so good or not as you normally are.
- You can reply, “You know what, I feel really good. I finally found a job that I love and I feel more confident these days” when you are feeling positive and happy.
Step 3. Give detailed answers when your doctor asks “How are you?
Let him know that you're not feeling well or have a bothersome health problem, as this will allow him to treat you appropriately.
You should also give honest answers to other medical workers, such as a nurse or a paramedic. If you're not feeling well, they need to know so they can help you feel better
Step 4. Say "Not well" or "I think I'm going through something" if you feel sick
This answer will allow you to be honest and let the other person know that you are not feeling well. They can ask more questions and show sympathy about how you feel.
Only use this answer if you want to talk about your illness or disorder with the person. This usually triggers the other person to know more and try to help you feel better
Step 5. Finish your answer by saying “Thanks for asking
Let the person know that you appreciate their question and their desire to hear your lengthy answer. This is a great way to end an answer on a positive note, even if the answer is a negative or bad feeling about you.
You can also say, “I appreciate you asking how are you, thank you” or “Thanks for listening.”
Step 6. Ask the person how he is
Show him that you want to have a more in-depth conversation by asking "How are you?" after you answer the question.
- For example, you could say, “I'm fine, thanks for asking. How are you?" or “Good news, thank you. How about you?"
- For some people, if you ask the same question, they will probably nod and say “I'm fine” or “Good news” and they will move on with their activities. Don't be discouraged: asking how someone is sometimes doesn't count as an invitation to say a lot.
Method 3 of 3: Read the Situation Correctly
Step 1. Consider your relationship with the person
If you are close to the person and have shared personal experiences or feelings with them, it may make sense for you to provide a detailed answer. If you don't know the person well, such as a coworker or someone you know through a friend or family member, you can give a short and polite answer.
- You can give detailed answers if you want to deepen your relationship with the person and become closer to them.
- Be careful about opening up just because you feel awkward and don't feel that close to the person.
Step 2. Notice when and where the person asks “How are you?
If he's asking in an office near a coffee machine, he's probably expecting a curt and polite answer that's appropriate for an office setting. If he asks over a drink or dinner after work or school, you can give a more personal and detailed answer.
- If you're around a lot of people, you can answer briefly and politely because it might not be the right atmosphere for you to give long, circular or personal answers in front of other people.
- In most situations, if you're with a group of friends or family, it's okay to give detailed answers. If you're with a coworker, friend, or person in a leadership position, a shorter, more polite answer may be more appropriate.
Step 3. Pay attention to the person's body language
Notice if he maintains eye contact with you and stands straight, with his body facing you. This is usually a sign that the person wants to build a deep connection with you and have a conversation with you.
