How are you? I’ve never been a fan of this particular question. Why? It is a bit of a redundant question. It is nothing more than a conversation starter or a silence filler. Rarely does the person asking the question actually care about how you are doing. In fact, the typical answers for this question are “I’m fine” or “I’m OK”. Rarely does the individual actually answer the question.

“How are you” is a stupid question and a waste of time. IT is meant to be considerate and compassionate, but it could not be farther from it. Think about it. When was the last time you asked that question and cared to hear a detailed response?

Now I’m not saying a person who asks this question lacks compassion or does not care. Unfortunately, it is just human nature at this point. We are programmed like robots to ask this question every time we start a conversation with someone. It is something we all do, because it is all we have ever known. Unfortunately, we are very much creatures of habit.

I just want people to start looking at the question for what it really is and what it really means. It is a conversation starter or an ice breaker. It is nothing more than that and it is not meant to be anymore more than that.  It is really just a long winded hello to be honest.

Next time you ask or are asked the question “how are you?” stop and think about it. Why is that question coming up in the conversation? Are you actually going to give a detailed answer? Are you actually caring what response the person you asked is going to give? Maybe you could try being different and unique. Look for more than the typical “I’m fine” or “I’m OK”. You don’t have to conform.