Urban Etiquette: Just say Fine!

Recently I asked an acquaintance  “How are you?” and what I got back was more than an earful.  I stood there silently thinking – WTF, everyone knows you’re suppose to just say “FINE!”

In the words of Dr. Evil,  ZIP IT!

As the conversation continued, I drifted into thinking about the Austin Power’s movie and wanted him to “zip it!”

Let’s be real, asking “how are you” is often used as a salutation — most people don’t really want to hear about your health, dog or children. So, think about this, before you respond.

• The best answer to “How are you?”  is “Fine, thank you, and you?”
• If you move beyond the standard answer, be positive, most people aren’t expecting to hear a laundry list of problems.
• Unless your doctor is asking, health issues are always off limits to discuss in response to a greeting.
• In social situations, a brief sentence or two about family is okay if they asked “how’s the family” otherwise, they probably don’t want to hear about them either.

However you choose to respond, “how are you” is an extended greeting, not to be confused with a conversation.   Keep it light, happy and brief because most people don’t really want the detail.