Admin

How do you answer when someone says, "How are you"?

By
Real Estate Agent with Friendly Appraisals

When you make a call, are in front of the cashier in a store, or for whatever reason, someone asks, "How are you doing today?" What do you say? Do you go into how bad your life is?  Do you complain about your spouse or kids? Maybe complain about how bad you hate your job? Do you complain about the weather, the war? I honestly do not think that any of those were the answer they were looking for.  I have asked this same question, "How are you doing today?" and have gotten all of these aforementioned responses.  It is like loading a gun and pointing it to my face! 

What cracks me up are the responses I get when people ask me this question and I give them my answer of "I AM FANTASTIC!" The person on the other end almost 100% of the time will SMILE or even Laugh out loud. Even if I am having the worst day of my life, and everything is going wrong, I do my best to give the same answer......"I AM FANTASTIC!" Not sarcastically, but sincerely! I may not even be talking to them, but instead I may be talking to myself!  I challenge everyone of you to try this! Especially when the day is NOT going good. Try to turn things around by forcing yourself to smile for 1 minute! When someone asks you this question, you will be amazed to find out the answer you give, will have a direct impact on you and your day! Whether or not you like it, you choose how your days go.  The day itself does not make this choice, you do!

Show All Comments Sort:
Gary L. Waters Broker Associate, Bucci Realty
Bucci Realty, Inc. - Melbourne, FL
Eighteen Years Experience in Brevard County
I simply answer "Wonderful!" Regardless of how my day may be going the response to that question sets the tone for the present. Besides, being positive and uplifting brings others around you to that same perspective, hopefully!
Sep 04, 2007 07:44 AM
Larry Bettag
Cherry Creek Mortgage Illinois Residential Mortgage License LMB #0005759 Cherry Creek Mortgage NMLS #: 3001 - Saint Charles, IL
Vice-President of National Production
I believe that you get what you say, so I always tell my kids to say "dominating" when someone asks you that question.  However, I tell them that humility and humor need to be coupled with that.
Sep 04, 2007 07:57 AM
LaShon James-Major
The Document Diva - Long Beach, CA
Long Beach Mobile Notary - 562.314.4319

My motto is "Feelings are a choice, so choose wisely" so if we choose to feel wonderful, great, or fabulous we will. Thanks for the reminder.

diva sig

 

Sep 04, 2007 08:25 AM
Nathan Blair
Salt Lake City, UT
I agree.  If I sense that someone is about to say something negative, I answer with "great" or something like that, and it always diffuses their negativity. 
Sep 04, 2007 10:54 AM
Maggie Dokic | Indialantic
Magdalena Dokic - Indialantic, FL
Selling the beach in Florida's space coast
Bruce, welcome to the Rain.  I enjoyed reading your post.  Yes, they do not want to hear that the kids are sick, your phone fell in the pool and making ends meet is getting harder.  "Fabulous!"  I always reply. 
Sep 09, 2007 02:28 AM
Tom Plant
WINEormous.com - Murrieta, CA
Bruce - It's funny how it throws some people for a loop. I always answer that way. Glad to hear you do, too.
Sep 17, 2007 06:03 AM
Tracy Santrock
Santrock Realty Group Inc. , - Cary, NC
Raleigh - Cary Broker

Bruce -

I really like your attitude.  I've been reading posts of agents recently that are quite discouraging.  When the going gets tough, the tough get gowing.  Clients like to work with people that are happy and enjoy what they are doing.  Keep doing what your doing Bruce!

Sep 21, 2007 12:36 AM
Jolynne Photography, Creative Wedding Photography, Family Portraits, Bar Mitzvahs
Jolynne Photography - Hemet, CA
Bat Mitzvahs, Senior Pictures, Event Photography

I like that...even if you're having a rough day that response starts to turn it around for others and for you.

I have a Realtor in my network that has this response to "How are You?"

"I'm awesome.  But I'm getting better."

Sep 22, 2007 06:06 AM