When someone asks "How are you"

I always assume they ask to be polite, but I also feel uncomfortable lying, so I always reply with "nothing new to complain about"

That gives them the chance to laugh it off, but on the off chance they actually want to know, it leaves an opening for further questions.


Ofc, I don't go into details, just general stuff like "my cat is still doing well as long as she gets her dietary food"

Again, that leaves an opening for further questions.
I don't necessarily want to talk about those kindof things, but I also don't want to pretend like everything's fine when they're not.

when i ask how are you its just giving the person an opportunity to talk about whatever they want. they could complain, vent or relay some happiness joy or excitement. its up to them. they can tell how theyre feeling, what theyre thinking, etc... if i didnt care and wasnt prepared to be onslaughted with complaining i wouldnt ask lol.

on the other hand, the people around where i live always ask how are you... like just neighbors and stuff. i always just say good thanks. on the off occassion ive returned a how are you i usually get a curt answer which is generally a relief lol.

I always ask, and its nice too know, if who you asked are ok.

It's taught in schools to be civil n hence people follow it..so they ask ..do they care ..it's subjective

Lol. I once answered when asked, i am sick. The asker never expecting that said good to hear.

I assume they ask as a courtesy. When I ask I actually want to know.

Someone once asked if I was really asking or just making small talk. With a smile, I replied “Just fulfilling my end of the unwritten social contract as a greeting protocol.”

I care, well it depends on the person but I care.

I want to know how they are or i wouldn't ask
I don't do small talk

Yes. I want to know how they are.

I guess it would depend on the person i would be asking it could go either way just small talk or that i really care

my experience it can go either way