Why do people say "How are you"?!
Question: and they just kept on walking before you can even answer them?
why ask in the first place if they don't care?
Answers: and they just kept on walking before you can even answer them?
why ask in the first place if they don't care?
because people turn that question into a statement
it's just something polite to say, most people just answer fine, how are you
they are expecting a quick reply... good, fine, not to bad. It's called common courtesy.
They ask it out of habit. They don't really care nor do they want you to tell them how you really are. The proper response is "Just fine".
What they are doing is acknowledging you. If they walk by and say nothing then chances are you may feel slighted.
Most everyone does this. No big deal. (IMO)
I always just say "Fine, thanks" and keep on keeping on.
Yes, I have trained myself to say I am "wonderful" if somebody asks how I am. Anybody that knows me well, already knows how I am. And, those that don't know me, don't really care. I have witnessed this in the check out lane at a store. The clerk might ask the person she is checking out "how are you"?, and if the person gives them an honest answer, you can tell the clerk is sorry she asked.
It is used as an acknowledgment of your existence not for your medical records. There should be a better phrase shouldn't there....,mmm
It's a programmed condition.They're not really interested, it's just a form of being polite.
I had a Russian history teacher that stated the American behavior seems phony, it's not that they don't smile, they just don't run around smiling for no reason. However, our culture almost forces us to seem happy. Which is why, in Russia, if you ask how someone is you better want to know, because they will tell you...all of it. And since that class, now I only ask if I do. And I don't ask anyone anything unless I really want to know, because I figure if they want me to know, they'll tell me.
They are just trying to be polite. I like to jag around every now and then when asked and go into major detail. The looks on their faces is quite funny because they were expecting to hear fine or good. here is a question for you: Why do people answer fine or good when they aren't? I know that answer I just wanted you to ponder it.
they just want to be nice to you and the truth is that they don't really like you.
LOL I've noticed the same thing. Some people want an actual response, or will give YOU one:¨"Well, my dog died yesterday, and I pulled a muscle shoveling snow, then my wife and I had an argument about which movies to rent from Netflix, but other than that, I'm fine." To which I respond, "uh HUH..." I had 2 workmates whom I KNEW couldn′t even wait to hear, "I'm fine." So, I never even bothered to respond. I think it's bad manners, not courtesy, to just keep walking. They have no time? Then they should just say hi!
They Are just being friendly...!!
I get that all the time... It's like, "Wtf is the point in asking?" Although, I don't like having to answer that question anyway because I never really know how I am... I don't feel much of anything. ^.^