When someone says, “How are you?” what do you say?
Fine.
Good.
Busy.
Here’s the thing. We’re all busy. Answering “busy” has become a non-answer, another “fine.” Plus, it’s a conversation-killer with the added threat of initiating a which-person-is-busier escalation.
What can you say instead? How can we turn a routine exchange into something with some meaning?
How are you?
Good! I’m working on a project that I’m excited about.
Swell! Had a terrific weekend with my buddies.
Great! I’ve got a lot going on; it’s fun. How about you?
Pretty good. Working hard on this new project.
