Why do people ask "How are you?" when they don't really give a croup? A friend told me you're just supposed to say "Fine." and shut up no matter how you feel. What's the point then?
by 
debodun
ANSWERS: 9
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It has become a habit. Most people that care for you really would like to know, though.
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i guess its to be polite and to start a conversation
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I was always taught not to ask the question unless I sincerely cared to hear an answer, even a long one, from someone. As an alternate greeting I say "Nice to see you" or "Glad you could come" something like that and not a question I don't have time to give attention to. And it might depend on the people you are around or your area. The people that ask me, usually will stop and listen if things aren't wonderful or they will listen to how wonderful my day is going.
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i personally dont mind when people tell me how they are...if they want to go on and talk about how shitty their day has been then so be it.
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It's a social nicety. You're right, they only want to hear "fine," not your medical history. It's more friendly than passing by a co-worker and not saying anything.
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Would you rather be ignored?
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I consider a "How are you" by a stranger to mean the same as just "Hi" now. So, I just say "Hi" back. And what does "Hi" mean? Nothing. It's just an acknowledgement.
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Actually. If I say it, I mean it. I think the 'How are you?' as a greeting, is more of an American thing.
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In all social interactions, there ia an initial greeting which has no more meaning that "I see you and I am initiating social contact". The actual words for this vary with culture. It able be "Salute", "Shalom", or "Hi". In some societies, "How do you do" or "How are you" has take on this function. The fact that it can be abbreviated to "How do" or "Howdy" shows that the meaning has got lost. Irritating to those not from that that society,. who still hear the words and not the formal salutation. But you have to live with it - and reply with the appropriate counter, which is "Fine" or "Great".
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