Is ‘Hi How Are You’ Overrated?
Is ‘Hi How Are You’ Overrated?
ByI had somewhat of an aha moment today as I was mingling with some friends along the way. When we see close friends and family members that we haven’t seen in a while, most times the first thing we say is “Hi, how are you?”
When you meet someone for the first time and shake their hand, what is the most common thing that comes out of your mouth? “Hi, how are you?” Well here’s the thing, when you say “Hi, how are you,” do you really mean it?
When you ask that question, do you expect your friends to pour out their current situation to you all in that one instance, or is it just a simple conversation opener? Hmm… makes ya think doesn’t it.
So I’ve asked my share of questions in this post by now, but I want to challenge you to change your approach. When we were taught to make friends we were taught to have a true and genuine care and awareness for others.
Most times while mingling with others, we want to get our point off our chest but do we really take the moment to show a genuine care and listen to the other person’s point of view?
There are many reasons why others don’t spill out the who story right then and there. One reason is because they know, deep down inside that when someone says “Hi how are you?” that’s not the time to spill your whole life story. Otherwise they might not have many friends would they?
Take a slightly different approach
Next time you go up to your friend, look them in the eye and ask them, with sincerity in your heart, “How are you feeling?” When I said that to a friend today, I noticed a slightly different response. I noticed that people open up when we question their state of well being with sincerity.
It was a learning experience for me. There is something about the change in the phrasing of that statement that shows that we care. Anytime I want to know the state of well being of my close friends that is an approach that I’m willing to take.
Think about those times you’ve met someone. Be it a friend or family member and you’ve simply opened up with the line “how are you.” That may be an opportunity for you to reach out and show that you care. You never know how you can change the course of someone’s day or better yet their life by allowing them to open up or vent to you about how they’re feeling. Take time out and show a genuine interest in your friends and family as you charge forth in your life journey.
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Author: Jarrod Clark (478 Articles)
Hello and welcome to my blog. My name is Jarrod Clark, author and founder of OptimisticJourney.com and my goal for this blog is to provide inspirational messages for maintaining an optimistic outlook on life. To find out more about me, check out the About Jarrod tab at the top of the page and if you have questions, please don't hesitate to contact me! Thanks!
hello Clark,
Great post, we are fun of saying “hi, how are you”, without really meaning what we say. I think you’ve pointed out a lot on this daily mistake we make. Its with the abundant of the heart that the mouth speaks. But that don’t apply with this. We say things we don’t really mean whole heartedly.
“how are you feeling” is best, for it expresses ones sincerity.
Excellent stuff! God bless.
@harvest – I know it really makes us think about sincerity of the statement. I will definitely think twice next time I say “Hi, how are you.”
@Simi – thank you very much!