Wondering how to best answer the classic question: “How have you been?” Share your tips and strategies with us! #response #conversation #engagement #tips #strategies #communication
Strategies for Responding
– Be honest and authentic
– Focus on recent experiences
– Highlight positive developments
– Keep it concise and engaging
Engaging with the Question
– Ask about the other person’s well-being
– Share something interesting about your life
– Maintain a friendly and positive tone
– Show genuine interest in the conversation
Importance of Communication
– Building relationships
– Connecting with others
– Showing empathy and support
– Enhancing overall well-being
Remember, how you respond to “How have you been?” can set the tone for a meaningful conversation. So, what’s your go-to response? Let us know! #conversationstarter #communicationmatters #connectwithothers
whatever you feel like responding is up to you, its open ended. alternatively you can give your generic answer and turn the question onto them too of what they’ve been up to lately, they might have something to talk about
The standard answer then is “fine, thanks.” Also good are “keeping on, keeping on” or “the usual, all good” or “trying to make the most of every day” or “not bad” etc.
I am brutally honest. Any ups, any downs (those tend to be more numerous). If there aren’t any noticeable events, I’ll mention any movies I saw recently, or just what my mood has been lately. And then you ask them in return.
Well, it sounds like things are good, so I’d say that. “Things are good. I’m still with <boyfriend’s name> and my job is still going well.”
Same old, same old.
Depends on circumstances. Its not a test that has always one answer. I answer it how i feel fit in the moment and not make a big deal out of it.
Depends on who it is. Can range from
Alright ta, not too bad!
To
Omg you have no idea what you’ve missed.
Some people share my drama, regardless of if we saw each other yesterday or three years ago. Others do not and I don’t want them to 😆
I say something like “I’ve been doing well, not much has been going on outside of (work + current hobby/interest/etc.). It’s been nice enjoying the peace and calm”
I like to tell them ONE thing that brings meaning.
“I just started walking again in the nice weather!”
And then, “How about you?”
“Better now that you’re here,” no matter who is asking
My answer depends on what I interpret their intent to be when they ask that question. A lot of people ask it as a greeting without any expectation of a real answer, so “I’ve been doing pretty good” is a satisfactory answer. If they ask that question in a more serious or personal/private conversation with a legitimate desire to know, I’ll almost always give a longer and more real answer that may take a couple minutes to say. Just analyze the situation. Sometimes a disingenuous answer is what they are seeking.
“I’m still alive 😮💨”
“same soup, just reheated”
This question is not a test of whether your life is interesting or not. The person is basically saying “give us a subject to talk about so we can rebond”. Come up with a few conversation starters to have in your back pocket — “Oh, I just finished reading/watching/playing X” or “Lately I’ve been obsessed with the football team/celebrity drama/news story” or “Not much new going on, but did you hear about [mutual acquaintance}?”
Making chat is an extremely valuable adult skill — light conversation that doesn’t have to have any point or even particular truth to it. It’s just a chance for two people to become a tiny bit more connected. You can always toss the responsibility back to the other guy with a “what about you?” but only if you’re really stumped. Bonus points if you can throw in an obvious joke before taking off because my god small talk is uncomfortable and ending it on a smile makes the world a better place.
Practice — you will be glad you did!
I feel like I could have had my entire life fall apart in the last day and when someone asks how I’ve been… “doin good, same ol’ same ol’”
Doctrine states that you immediately provide a chronological account of your mental and physical wellbeing from the time you last encountered the human up to the present.
Hanging on by my fingernails. How about yourself?
i have not said good genuinely in years
“Operating within acceptable parameters.”
I’ve been very busy learning a new language and building a monolith to celebrate human life and learning how to lay eggs
Pick something fun to talk about. If you’re into video games talk about the newest one or computer games or movies or tv shows. Are you volunteering anywhere? Are you thinking about a new job? Do you like your apartment what do you like about it? Do you cook? Have you tried any new recipes? Did you have any bad or good dates? Did you travel anywhere? Go on a good hike?
Literally any small thing they don’t know is fine or just working is cool too.
Yeah I feel the same about this rn been pretty lonely since I’ve moved
That’s a nightmare situation for me. I will literally run the other way if I see an acquaintance coming at me.
I say, “Oh, I’m alright,” because “I’m disappointed every day I wake up,” is apparently a downer.
Depends on if i feel the person is asking because they’re genuinely curious and interested or just trying to be nice. Hard to tell most of the time so i just stay quiet
Everyone understands that it’s just a friendly exchange of greetings, you’re not supposed to unload. You can just say “Fine, ” or you can get a little more personal and say “Things have been crazy lately. How about you?” Keep it brief unless you and the other person mutually wish a deep conversation. May of the time it’s just a friendly meaningless gesture of good will.
I often say “I don’t have much to complain about but I do anyway.”