Hi, How Are You? May Not Be The Best Greeting

Margaret

I do so agree.  Use other greetings or you may find a response you are not ready for.

Margaret - Good call. This is friendly and can be much faster. - Debbie

A lesson I learned a long time ago Margaret.  Never ask "how are you?" unless you've got the time and really want to know.  Good choice of words, but you are "The Wordsmith".

Hi, How can I get my hand in your pocket hasn't worked well either.

Ha, still laughing at Rob's comment. You are so correct Margaret. We do need to take the time to listen and I normally wouldn't mind but as you say, sometimes you are in a hurry. I catch myself asking people how they are that I don't even know. Bad habit. 

Margaret, this is a great lesson for all of us.  At times we just don't have the time for the lengthy explanation.

You are so right Margaret! Most of don't have time to sit still long enough to hear the answer.

Great advice Margaret, there are days when you would rather not answer this question, some days it is not possible to give an honest answer to this while still maintaining a positive conversation, and it would be much better to just have a positive greeting like "Nice to see you".

Margaret, I personally have never liked the 'How are you?' greeeting.  I totallt agree with Bob (comment #10).  You don't want to lie, however you often do not want to give an honest answer.

So often there is a note of insincerity....it is a "tradition" rather than a caring expression.

Margaret,

Very good point, and most of the time, I find that most of us answer "fine" automatically.  I can't remember a single instance in the last two months, when someone actually elaborated...LOL A

Margaret I am always happy so see friends, old or new and if I have the time I do want to know how they have been

Hi Margaret, you're right- if you don't have time to find out, I guess you shouldn't ask.  I'm with Ed, I'm usually happy to run into folks and find out how they are doing.   

?How about :  "Nice to see you, I wish I had more time to find out how you are doing, but I have an appointment in 20 minutes...I'll call you  later so we can catch up" 

You are so right Margaret.  You have to be ready for the answer and to listen a while, I'll defintely be using the "So nice to see  you" in the future.

Oh boy I have learned this one the hard way!  Don't ask the question if you aren't prepared to hear the answer!

Margaret, you are a wealth of information! But what do you do with Chatty Cathys who cannot quit TALKING!? Acquaintances who "pop by" the office just to visit? One lady consistently stops by and I've tried everything short of being rude. Any ideas?