This is not an easy question to answer, I think, because we never know how much information the other party requires. Obviously, our relationship with the person asking, and the place and space, would have an influence on the width or depth of our responses. If we are in a convenient restaurant or homely location and we are sitting opposite a good friend or our spouse, the answer could be laden with detail.
I wonder if social researchers were to analyze our responses to this question during this Covid-19 season, what they would find. Would the data reveal that our answers are less positive or even vaguer than before? Anyway, I was just thinking out loud and maybe our personalities determine how much information we would like to present or divulge to the “interviewer”.
To add a little humour to this post, I looked at an internet article, 101 Funny and Witty Responses to the Question “How are you?” and I will list three diverse ones to hopefully make you smile. Here they are:
· “So much better now that you are with me.”
· “What with all these questions? You a cop?”
· “If I was any better, vitamins would be taking me.”
Regardless of how we are doing, and how we would respond to the question, deep down, I think, we treasure those people who actually care to truly ask with empathy. It is a blessing when someone who really cares, pops in to see how we are.
I included the detail of an acrylic on canvas portrait I made in 2016, because it looks like someone who asked that very question, “How are you doing?” and he is waiting patiently for the answer. What shall we tell him?
Hello "daud.abdelaziz". Thank you for the comment. Yes, honesty is preferred.
Let us all express to each other sincere hope, let us express kindness no matter what condition we may be in at the moment. Let us say what is real and what is true. I'd rather have a real expression of unhappiness expressed by a friend than a fake expression of happiness.
Thank you "wilhelm" for the musical reply. Be blessed.
How are you? is often uttered without really focusing on the reply... You explained it so well. I love this work of art, the "intuition" you as the artist portray to know exactly where to apply the "yellow parts" to the face. Clearly it is going well with you to have this "instinct" to know where to touch in which shade of colour. Like a pianist running his fingers from left to right and creating a melody. Thank you my friend!
Thank you very much "asahebc71" for the lovely response. You get the award for the best response thus far! Yes, to have a handful of people who care about you (and you can return the favour) is truly a miracle from above. As people we are by nature self-centred, but fortunately, as we travel here below and go through our trials, we often acquire empathy.