{"id":9877,"date":"2023-10-23T13:56:54","date_gmt":"2023-10-23T13:56:54","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/pumble.com\/blog\/?p=9877"},"modified":"2025-03-06T00:00:00","modified_gmt":"2025-03-06T00:00:00","slug":"how-to-respond-to-how-are-you","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/pumble.com\/blog\/how-to-respond-to-how-are-you\/","title":{"rendered":"The Best Formal and Creative Responses to \u2018How Are You?\u2019"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>As we all know, professional communication can feel somewhat formulaic at times \u2014 as though there\u2019s a set of acceptable responses for <a href=\"https:\/\/pumble.com\/blog\/ask-questions-at-work\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">every question<\/a> we are asked.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>That\u2019s why coming up with the perfect reply to a coworker\u2019s <em>\u201cHow are you doing?\u201d<\/em> can momentarily mystify even the most sociable among us.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Should you take the question as a basic greeting and respond accordingly?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Conversely, should you take it as a conversation starter, and deliver a more personal response?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Should you answer honestly even if you\u2019re not doing so well?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>We\u2019re about to get to the bottom of these questions and more.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>But first, let\u2019s see a roundup of the best ways to answer <em>\u201cHow are you?\u201d <\/em>no matter who it\u2019s coming from.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"600\" src=\"https:\/\/pumble.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/How-to-Respond-to-How-Are-You-Professionally-cover-1.png\" alt=\"How to Respond to 'How Are You' Professionally - cover\" class=\"wp-image-16544\" srcset=\"https:\/\/pumble.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/How-to-Respond-to-How-Are-You-Professionally-cover-1.png 1200w, https:\/\/pumble.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/How-to-Respond-to-How-Are-You-Professionally-cover-1-600x300.png 600w, https:\/\/pumble.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/How-to-Respond-to-How-Are-You-Professionally-cover-1-1110x555.png 1110w, https:\/\/pumble.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/How-to-Respond-to-How-Are-You-Professionally-cover-1-768x384.png 768w, https:\/\/pumble.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/How-to-Respond-to-How-Are-You-Professionally-cover-1-18x9.png 18w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<h2 id=\"10-best-responses-to-how-are-you-you-can-use-any-time\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">10 Best responses to \u201cHow are you?\u201d you can use any time<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>When someone from work asks, <em>\u201c<\/em><em>H<\/em><em>ow are you?\u201d<\/em>, your answer will typically depend on multiple factors, including:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Your level of closeness with the person in question,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The reason you\u2019re meeting, and even<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Who else is in attendance.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>However, the responses listed below are ones you can use any time regardless of the context.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p><em>\u201cI\u2019m doing well, thanks for asking. And yourself?\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p><em>\u201cI\u2019m doing great, thank you. How have you been?\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p><em>\u201cThanks for asking, can\u2019t complain. And you?\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p><em>\u201cVery well, thank you! How are you?\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p><em>\u201cI\u2019m doing alright. What about you?\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p><em>\u201cSo far, so good! What about you?\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p><em>\u201cI\u2019m pretty well. How are you?\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p><em>\u201cNot bad, how about you?\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p><em>\u201cI\u2019m fine, how about you?\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p><em>\u201cGood, and you?\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n\n<div class=\"banner banner-dark pumble-gradient-features\">\n    <div class=\"banner-text lg:pr-[6rem]\">\n        <span class=\"h4 text-lg translation-block mb-0\">Improve work communication<\/span>\n        <p class=\"translation-block mt-1 mb-3\">Strengthen your business communication and collaboration with Pumble by CAKE.com.<\/p>\n\n        <div class=\"banner-buttons d-flex gap-4 align-items-center translation-block justify-content-center justify-content-sm-start\">\n            <a class=\"bg-white rounded px-3 py-1 text-gray-dark\" href=\"https:\/\/pumble.com\/feature-list\" target=\"_blank\">See features<\/a>\n\n                            <a class=\"button-2\" href=\"https:\/\/pumble.com\/register\" target=\"_blank\">Join Pumble<\/a>\n                    <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n\n    <div class=\"banner-image banner-image-middle \">\n        <picture>\n            <source srcset=\"https:\/\/pumble.com\/blog\/wp-content\/themes\/cake-blog\/theme\/images\/banners\/features@2x.png 2x\" alt=\"Illustration\"  media=\"(min-width: 1022px)\" \/>\n            <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/pumble.com\/blog\/wp-content\/themes\/cake-blog\/theme\/images\/banners\/features.png\"  alt=\"Illustration\" \/>\n        <\/picture>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n    \n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"how-to-respond-to-how-are-you-professionally\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">How to respond to <em>\u201cHow are you?\u201d <\/em>professionally<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Even though the <em>\u201chow are you\u201d<\/em> answers we have already provided should be suitable for most occasions, you might want to change your response to this question based on who you\u2019re talking to.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>With that in mind, let\u2019s talk about how to answer a <em>\u201cHow are you?\u201d<\/em> question when it\u2019s coming from:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Your boss,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Your coworker,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>A client, or even<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>A job interviewer.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"how-to-respond-to-a-how-are-you-from-your-boss\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">How to respond to a <em>\u201cHow are you?\u201d<\/em> from your boss<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>One thing to keep in mind when answering this question in a professional environment is that most people who ask won\u2019t want to hear a real answer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>As <a href=\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/erin-christie-a3b753b5\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Erin Christie, Ph.D.<\/a>, Assistant Teaching Professor of Communication at Rutgers School of Communication and Information, told us, people generally use this question as more of a greeting than an information-seeking mission:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns pro-blockquote is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"500\" height=\"500\" src=\"https:\/\/pumble.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/Erin-Christie.jpg\" alt=\"Erin Christie, Ph.D.\" class=\"wp-image-16516\" srcset=\"https:\/\/pumble.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/Erin-Christie.jpg 500w, https:\/\/pumble.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/Erin-Christie-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/pumble.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/Erin-Christie-12x12.jpg 12w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<p><em>\u201cIt is important to note that in a professional setting the question \u2018How are you?\u2019<\/em> <em>is often coming from a place of politeness in the form of a greeting. Therefore, the question, in most cases, doesn\u2019t warrant a detailed and specific personal response.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>Then again, a boss might also ask the question to <a href=\"https:\/\/pumble.com\/blog\/just-checking-in-professionally\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">check in with you<\/a> and find out more about how your work is going.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In that case, it would be in your best interest to <a href=\"https:\/\/pumble.com\/blog\/transparent-communication\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">respond transparently<\/a>, as a communications and marketing strategist, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/jordan-grenadier-murphy-72a17a52\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Jordan Grenadier Murphy<\/a>, advises:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns pro-blockquote is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"500\" height=\"500\" src=\"https:\/\/pumble.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/Jordan-Grenadier-Murphy.jpg\" alt=\"Jordan Grenadier Murphy\" class=\"wp-image-16517\" srcset=\"https:\/\/pumble.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/Jordan-Grenadier-Murphy.jpg 500w, https:\/\/pumble.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/Jordan-Grenadier-Murphy-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/pumble.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/Jordan-Grenadier-Murphy-12x12.jpg 12w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<p><em>\u201cIf you&#8217;re being asked how you&#8217;re doing by someone whose job it is to support you, then I think it&#8217;s best to be honest about where you&#8217;re at. In a corporate setting, you want to be transparent while still showing that whatever&#8217;s going on won&#8217;t interfere with your work. If it will, then it&#8217;s best to be proactive about what you need given the circumstances.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>So, if you want to reply to \u201cHow are you?\u201d from your boss, you can add some details, as shown in the examples below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p><em>\u201cThis week has been tougher than usual, but I\u2019m managing to handle it.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p><em>\u201cI\u2019ve been facing some challenges with our clients this week, but I\u2019m working hard to fix it.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<p>Here\u2019s what this exchange might look like on a <a href=\"https:\/\/pumble.com\/team-communication-app\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">team communication app, Pumble<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"666\" src=\"https:\/\/pumble.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/A-manager-checks-in-with-their-team-member-on-Pumble-the-business-messaging-app-min.png\" alt=\"A manager checks in with their team member on Pumble, the business messaging app\n\" class=\"wp-image-16518\" srcset=\"https:\/\/pumble.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/A-manager-checks-in-with-their-team-member-on-Pumble-the-business-messaging-app-min.png 1200w, https:\/\/pumble.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/A-manager-checks-in-with-their-team-member-on-Pumble-the-business-messaging-app-min-541x300.png 541w, https:\/\/pumble.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/A-manager-checks-in-with-their-team-member-on-Pumble-the-business-messaging-app-min-1110x616.png 1110w, https:\/\/pumble.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/A-manager-checks-in-with-their-team-member-on-Pumble-the-business-messaging-app-min-768x426.png 768w, https:\/\/pumble.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/A-manager-checks-in-with-their-team-member-on-Pumble-the-business-messaging-app-min-18x10.png 18w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">A manager checks in with their team member on Pumble, the business messaging app by CAKE.com<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"custom-btn\"><a href=\"https:\/\/pumble.com\/register\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Check in with your team effortlessly on Pumble<\/a> <\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"how-to-respond-to-a-how-are-you-from-your-colleague\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">How to respond to a <em>\u201cHow are you?\u201d<\/em> from your colleague<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Answering a coworker\u2019s <em>\u201cHow are you?\u201d <\/em>should be easy enough, as it would be a simple case of <a href=\"https:\/\/pumble.com\/blog\/lateral-communication\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">lateral communication<\/a> between peers, which tends to be less formal than communication with higher-ups.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>As a result, your response can be more relaxed, depending on your level of closeness with the person in question.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Some of the <em>\u201chow are you?\u201d<\/em> answers you can give to coworkers include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p><em>\u201cEverything is great, like it should be. How are you?\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p><em>\u201cI\u2019m very well, but can\u2019t wait for the weekend. What about you?\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p><em>\u201cI\u2019m pretty tired, but work is going well. How have you been?\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<p>If you\u2019re not usually friendly with the coworker who\u2019s asked the question, you can assume that they\u2019re asking either as a greeting or in hopes of <a href=\"https:\/\/pumble.com\/blog\/professionally-ask-for-update\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">receiving an update<\/a> about a joint project \u2014 so, respond accordingly.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"667\" src=\"https:\/\/pumble.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/Coworkers-exchanging-greetings-on-Pumble-the-team-communication-app-min.png\" alt=\"Coworkers exchanging greetings on Pumble, the team communication app\n\" class=\"wp-image-16519\" srcset=\"https:\/\/pumble.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/Coworkers-exchanging-greetings-on-Pumble-the-team-communication-app-min.png 1200w, https:\/\/pumble.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/Coworkers-exchanging-greetings-on-Pumble-the-team-communication-app-min-540x300.png 540w, https:\/\/pumble.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/Coworkers-exchanging-greetings-on-Pumble-the-team-communication-app-min-1110x617.png 1110w, https:\/\/pumble.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/Coworkers-exchanging-greetings-on-Pumble-the-team-communication-app-min-768x427.png 768w, https:\/\/pumble.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/Coworkers-exchanging-greetings-on-Pumble-the-team-communication-app-min-18x10.png 18w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Coworkers exchanging greetings on Pumble, the team communication app\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<h3 id=\"how-to-respond-to-a-how-are-you-from-clients\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">How to respond to a <em>\u201cHow are you?\u201d<\/em> from clients<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>When communicating with clients and other <a href=\"https:\/\/pumble.com\/blog\/third-party-business-communication\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">third parties<\/a>, we tend to opt for a more <a href=\"https:\/\/pumble.com\/blog\/formal-communication\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">formal way of speaking<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>So, when formulating your <em>\u201chow are you?\u201d <\/em>reply, you\u2019ll want to keep it brief and formal, as in the examples below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p><em>\u201cI\u2019m very well, thank you! How are you?\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p><em>\u201cI\u2019m doing well. And yourself?\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p><em>\u201cI\u2019m doing great, thank you for asking. How have you been?\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<p>You can also make a reference to an event you\u2019ll both be attending in the near future, as suggested by <a href=\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/mary-marnell-b3760654\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Mary Marnell<\/a>, the Managing Partner at a web development agency:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns pro-blockquote is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"500\" height=\"500\" src=\"https:\/\/pumble.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/Mary-Marnell.jpg\" alt=\"Mary Marnell\" class=\"wp-image-16520\" srcset=\"https:\/\/pumble.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/Mary-Marnell.jpg 500w, https:\/\/pumble.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/Mary-Marnell-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/pumble.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/Mary-Marnell-12x12.jpg 12w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<p><em>\u201cTo a client, you could say something like: \u2018Great, thanks! Looking forward to our meeting today. How\u2019s your week going?\u2019\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"how-to-respond-to-a-how-are-you-at-a-job-interview\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">How to respond to a <em>\u201cHow are you?\u201d<\/em> at a job interview<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Job interviews are one of the rare occasions where the question <em>\u201cHow are you?\u201d<\/em> is frequently used as an <a href=\"https:\/\/pumble.com\/blog\/ice-breaker-questions-for-virtual-meetings\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">icebreaker question<\/a>, as Erin Christie notes:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns pro-blockquote is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"500\" height=\"500\" src=\"https:\/\/pumble.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/Erin-Christie.jpg\" alt=\"Erin Christie, Ph.D.\" class=\"wp-image-16516\" srcset=\"https:\/\/pumble.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/Erin-Christie.jpg 500w, https:\/\/pumble.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/Erin-Christie-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/pumble.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/Erin-Christie-12x12.jpg 12w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<p><em>\u201cIn some work-related situations, answering does allow one to provide information that can be a conversation starter. For example, a response along these lines in a job interview could be, \u2018I am excited to be here and I thank you for your time.\u2019\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>Other responses that might be suitable for a job interview include the following.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p><em>\u201cI\u2019m fantastic, how are you?\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p><em>\u201cVery well, thank you for asking. How are you today?\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p><em>\u201cI\u2019m feeling a little nervous, but I\u2019m happy to be a step closer to working in your company.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<p>In any case, the interviewers may use this question to gain some insights into your personality, which may affect your chances of getting hired.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For example, if you\u2019re interviewing for a sales position and you give a curt reply to a <em>\u201cHow are you?\u201d, <\/em>the interviewers may suspect that you\u2019re not exactly a people person, and thus not fit for the position in question.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Alternatively, if you\u2019re interviewing for a position that requires you to work well with others, and you don\u2019t remember to ask how the interviewers are doing, they may not see you as a team player.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Even though these considerations shouldn\u2019t be more important than your resume, they can still affect your chances of getting the job if it comes down to you and a candidate with a similar skill set.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>So, tread carefully!<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"667\" src=\"https:\/\/pumble.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/HR-professionals-discuss-a-job-candidate-on-Pumble-the-business-messaging-app-min.png\" alt=\"HR professionals discuss a job candidate on Pumble, the business messaging app\n\" class=\"wp-image-16521\" srcset=\"https:\/\/pumble.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/HR-professionals-discuss-a-job-candidate-on-Pumble-the-business-messaging-app-min.png 1200w, https:\/\/pumble.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/HR-professionals-discuss-a-job-candidate-on-Pumble-the-business-messaging-app-min-540x300.png 540w, https:\/\/pumble.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/HR-professionals-discuss-a-job-candidate-on-Pumble-the-business-messaging-app-min-1110x617.png 1110w, https:\/\/pumble.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/HR-professionals-discuss-a-job-candidate-on-Pumble-the-business-messaging-app-min-768x427.png 768w, https:\/\/pumble.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/HR-professionals-discuss-a-job-candidate-on-Pumble-the-business-messaging-app-min-18x10.png 18w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">HR professionals discuss a job candidate on Pumble, the business messaging app\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<h2 id=\"how-to-respond-to-how-are-you-when-youre-not-ok\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">How to respond to <em>\u201cHow are you?\u201d<\/em> when you\u2019re not OK<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Everybody has those days when nothing seems to be going right. At that point, hearing someone ask you how you\u2019re doing can really open the flood gates to all sorts of information dumping.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>So, what are the best ways to answer <em>\u201cHow are you?\u201d <\/em>in those situations? Should you brush the question off, lie, or tell the truth? If you do want to go for the latter, how truthful should you be, exactly?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Well, according to Erin Christie, it\u2019s still best to keep the details to yourself:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns pro-blockquote is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"500\" height=\"500\" src=\"https:\/\/pumble.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/Erin-Christie.jpg\" alt=\"Erin Christie, Ph.D.\" class=\"wp-image-16516\" srcset=\"https:\/\/pumble.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/Erin-Christie.jpg 500w, https:\/\/pumble.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/Erin-Christie-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/pumble.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/Erin-Christie-12x12.jpg 12w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<p><em><em>\u201cKeep in mind, when \u2018How are you?\u2019 is utilized as a greeting \u2014 particularly in the workplace \u2014 disclosing personal details won\u2019t benefit you. Always remember to think of context. An appropriate workplace response to this question is honest, simple, and lacking specific details \u2014 along the lines of \u2018I am not doing as well as I would like to, but I am hanging in there today.\u2019\u201d<\/em><\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>Depending on the reason behind your poor mood, you can also use one of the following responses.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p><em>\u201cI\u2019m not going to lie, I don\u2019t feel very good.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p><em>\u201cI\u2019m struggling a bit.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p><em>\u201cI\u2019m not doing very well.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p><em>\u201cIt\u2019s been a tough week.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p><em>\u201cI\u2019m not having an easy time at this moment.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p><em>\u201cI\u2019m feeling a bit under the weather.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<p>Mary Marnell also added that humor can help soften your reply:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns pro-blockquote is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"500\" height=\"500\" src=\"https:\/\/pumble.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/Mary-Marnell.jpg\" alt=\"Mary Marnell\" class=\"wp-image-16520\" srcset=\"https:\/\/pumble.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/Mary-Marnell.jpg 500w, https:\/\/pumble.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/Mary-Marnell-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/pumble.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/Mary-Marnell-12x12.jpg 12w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<p><em><em>\u201cIf you\u2019re not feeling great, light humor or a neutral response works well to acknowledge it without oversharing.<\/em><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>Here are some examples:<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>\u2018Hanging in there \u2014 coffee is definitely helping!\u2019<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>\u2018It\u2019s been a long day, but I\u2019ll survive!\u2019<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>\u2018I think I\u2019ll be able to sit up and take nourishment,\u2019 as my grandfather used to say \u2014 an old-school way of saying, \u2018I\u2019m alive, but just barely.\u2019\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n\n<div class=\"banner banner-dark pumble-gradient-features\">\n    <div class=\"banner-text lg:pr-[6rem]\">\n        <span class=\"h4 text-lg translation-block mb-0\">Empower team communication<\/span>\n        <p class=\"translation-block mt-1 mb-3\">Strengthen teams and simplify work with Pumble \u2014 the all-in-one communication app.<\/p>\n\n        <div class=\"banner-buttons d-flex gap-4 align-items-center translation-block justify-content-center justify-content-sm-start\">\n            <a class=\"bg-white rounded px-3 py-1 text-gray-dark\" href=\"https:\/\/pumble.com\/compare\" target=\"_blank\">Compare<\/a>\n\n                            <a class=\"button-2\" href=\"https:\/\/pumble.com\/register\" target=\"_blank\">Join now<\/a>\n                    <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n\n    <div class=\"banner-image banner-image-middle \">\n        <picture>\n            <source srcset=\"https:\/\/pumble.com\/blog\/wp-content\/themes\/cake-blog\/theme\/images\/banners\/features@2x.png 2x\" alt=\"Illustration\"  media=\"(min-width: 1022px)\" \/>\n            <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/pumble.com\/blog\/wp-content\/themes\/cake-blog\/theme\/images\/banners\/features.png\"  alt=\"Illustration\" \/>\n        <\/picture>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n    \n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"funny-and-creative-responses-to-how-are-you\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Funny and creative responses to <em>\u201cHow are you?\u201d<\/em><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>If you want to showcase your personality with your reply to a<em> \u201cHow are you?\u201d <\/em>from a coworker, there are plenty of other hilarious ways to respond to the question.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>So, if you\u2019re looking for funny and creative ways to answer <em>\u201cHow are you?\u201d<\/em> or <em>\u201cHow are you doing?\u201d<\/em>, try one of the following suggestions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>When you\u2019re <strong>feeling fairly well<\/strong>, you can answer the question with:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p><em>\u201cMedium well.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p><em>\u201cGood enough!\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p><em>\u201cBetter than I deserve.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p><em>\u201cNot bad for a human.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p><em>\u201cLiving the sweet life.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p><em><em>\u201cLike I just won the lottery!\u201d<\/em><\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p><em>\u201cIf I had a tail, I would wag it!\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p><em>\u201cHappy as a kid lost in a candy store.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p><em>\u201cLiving the dream. Please don\u2019t wake me up.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p><em>\u201cI am better on the inside than I look on the outside.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<p>If you\u2019re <strong>neither here nor there<\/strong>, try saying:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p><em>\u201cGod only knows!\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p><em>\u201cUnder renovation.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p><em>\u201cCompared to who?\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p><em>\u201cExisting, thank you. And you?\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p><em>\u201cI need more direction. Physically, mentally, spiritually.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<p>If you\u2019re <strong>doing worse than you\u2019d like to<\/strong>, you can say:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p><em><em>\u201cPartly cloudy.\u201d<\/em><\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p><em>\u201cLooking for a miracle.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p><em>\u201cNext question, please.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p><em>\u201cMentally at the beach.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p><em>\u201cPretty crappy, but what can you do?\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<p>And, if your company doesn\u2019t frown on <strong>sarcasm<\/strong>, you could even use the following responses:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p><em>\u201cI\u2019m surviving on coffee and sarcasm.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p><em>\u201cLooking for a fridge to freeze my brain.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p><em>\u201cHow much will you pay me if I tell you?\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p><em>\u201cCan\u2019t complain. I have tried, but no one listens.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"666\" src=\"https:\/\/pumble.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/Milo-delivers-a-sarcastic-response-to-a-coworkers-question-on-Pumble-the-team-communication-app-min.png\" alt=\"Milo delivers a sarcastic response to a coworker\u2019s question on Pumble, the team communication app\n\" class=\"wp-image-16523\" srcset=\"https:\/\/pumble.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/Milo-delivers-a-sarcastic-response-to-a-coworkers-question-on-Pumble-the-team-communication-app-min.png 1200w, https:\/\/pumble.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/Milo-delivers-a-sarcastic-response-to-a-coworkers-question-on-Pumble-the-team-communication-app-min-541x300.png 541w, https:\/\/pumble.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/Milo-delivers-a-sarcastic-response-to-a-coworkers-question-on-Pumble-the-team-communication-app-min-1110x616.png 1110w, https:\/\/pumble.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/Milo-delivers-a-sarcastic-response-to-a-coworkers-question-on-Pumble-the-team-communication-app-min-768x426.png 768w, https:\/\/pumble.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/Milo-delivers-a-sarcastic-response-to-a-coworkers-question-on-Pumble-the-team-communication-app-min-18x10.png 18w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Milo delivers a sarcastic response to a coworker\u2019s question on Pumble, the team communication app\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<h2 id=\"5-tips-for-formulating-a-better-how-are-you-doing-reply\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">5 tips for formulating a better <em>\u201cHow are you<\/em><em> doing<\/em><em>?\u201d<\/em> reply<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>If you want to be able to come up with effortless responses to <em>\u201cHow are you?\u201d <\/em>from a coworker or a boss, just follow these foolproof tips.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"tip-1-have-a-positive-tone\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Tip #1: Have a positive tone&nbsp;<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>When it comes to answering the question <em>\u201cHow are you?\u201d <\/em>in a professional environment, it\u2019s best to err on the side of caution and keep things positive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>As Erin Christie noted, though authenticity is important, staying positive is a good way to keep things simple:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns pro-blockquote is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"500\" height=\"500\" src=\"https:\/\/pumble.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/Erin-Christie.jpg\" alt=\"Erin Christie, Ph.D.\" class=\"wp-image-16516\" srcset=\"https:\/\/pumble.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/Erin-Christie.jpg 500w, https:\/\/pumble.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/Erin-Christie-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/pumble.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/Erin-Christie-12x12.jpg 12w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<p><em><em><em>\u201cAuthenticity is important, [so it\u2019s best to] respond in a good natured, honest, and simple way. As an example, a response of simplicity, such as <\/em>\u2018well<em>,<\/em>\u2019 \u2018fine,\u2019<em> and returning the greeting with \u2018how are you?\u2019 is appropriate in a workplace.\u201d<\/em><\/em><\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>Even if you\u2019re having a bad day and you can\u2019t bring yourself to lie, you can always share some of that burden in a humorous way, by using one of the funny responses we\u2019ve listed above.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>That should allow you to leave the conversation on a positive note, at least.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"tip-2-say-thank-you\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Tip #2: Say <em>\u201cThank you\u201d<\/em><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The most basic way to reply to <em>\u201cHow are you?\u201d<\/em> in a professional setting would be to say something along the lines of:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p><em>\u201cVery well, thanks for asking. And you?\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<p>As we can see, this standard answer includes a brief positive response, followed by a show of gratitude, and a reciprocation of the original question.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Even though a show of gratitude may not always be necessary, <a href=\"https:\/\/pumble.com\/blog\/say-thank-you-professionally\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">saying <em>\u201cthank you\u201d<\/em><\/a><em> <\/em>is a great way to show your appreciation for the people at work who care about your wellbeing enough to ask how you\u2019re doing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"tip-3-ask-how-the-other-person-is-feeling\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Tip #3: Ask how the other person is feeling&nbsp;<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Going back to that formulaic reply to <em>\u201cHow are you?\u201d<\/em>, we can see that asking the other person how they\u2019re doing is another common thing to add to one\u2019s response.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You can incorporate this tip into your answer by finishing it off with a:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p><em>\u201cAnd how are things going on your end?\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p><em>\u201cAnd how have you been?\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p><em>\u201cWhat about you?\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p><em>\u201cAnd you?\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<p>Reciprocating in this way may even prompt the other person to share some of their concerns, giving you the opportunity to offer them support.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Here\u2019s what that exchange might look like on <a href=\"https:\/\/pumble.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Pumble<\/a> by <a href=\"https:\/\/cake.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">CAKE.com<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"668\" src=\"https:\/\/pumble.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/Dales-coworker-requests-support-on-Pumble-the-business-messaging-app-min.png\" alt=\"Dale\u2019s coworker requests support on Pumble, the business messaging app\n\" class=\"wp-image-16524\" srcset=\"https:\/\/pumble.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/Dales-coworker-requests-support-on-Pumble-the-business-messaging-app-min.png 1200w, https:\/\/pumble.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/Dales-coworker-requests-support-on-Pumble-the-business-messaging-app-min-539x300.png 539w, https:\/\/pumble.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/Dales-coworker-requests-support-on-Pumble-the-business-messaging-app-min-1110x618.png 1110w, https:\/\/pumble.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/Dales-coworker-requests-support-on-Pumble-the-business-messaging-app-min-768x428.png 768w, https:\/\/pumble.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/Dales-coworker-requests-support-on-Pumble-the-business-messaging-app-min-18x10.png 18w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Dale\u2019s coworker requests support on Pumble, the business messaging app\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"custom-btn\"><a href=\"https:\/\/pumble.com\/register\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Exchange polite and professional conversations seamlessly over Pumble<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"tip-4-keep-it-brief\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Tip #4: Keep it brief<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Above all, you should always try to keep your answer to the question <em>\u201cHow are you?\u201d <\/em>short and to the point.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>That should help you avoid oversharing, if nothing else.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Still, if you believe the other person is using the question as a conversation starter, you can use it as a jumping off point to introduce another topic by saying:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p><em>\u201cI\u2019m great, thanks for asking. That coffee really hit the spot!\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p><em>\u201cPretty good, thanks! Is it weird that I\u2019m kind of excited for this meeting?\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p><em>\u201cI\u2019m doing so well, thanks for asking! The sun is shining, the birds are singing. What more can you ask for?\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<p>Then again, if you\u2019re not a fan of <a href=\"https:\/\/pumble.com\/blog\/balance-work-communication-and-chit-chat\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">small talk<\/a>, you can just offer a brief response and pass the question back to them in hopes that they\u2019ll carry on the conversation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"optional-tip-5-get-personal\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Optional tip #5: Get personal<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Even though many people would advise you to keep your personal and work life disconnected from each other, asking you to separate the two entirely would be a stretch, to say the least.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>So, if you\u2019d still like to form genuine human connections with the people you work with, feel free to let yourself get a bit personal when formulating your response to a coworker\u2019s <em>\u201cHow are you?\u201d<\/em>, as Mary Marnell recommends:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns pro-blockquote is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"500\" height=\"500\" src=\"https:\/\/pumble.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/Mary-Marnell.jpg\" alt=\"Mary Marnell\" class=\"wp-image-16520\" srcset=\"https:\/\/pumble.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/Mary-Marnell.jpg 500w, https:\/\/pumble.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/Mary-Marnell-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/pumble.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/Mary-Marnell-12x12.jpg 12w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<p><em>\u201cEven though we Americans tend to reply to this question like parrots \u2014 defaulting to the standard \u2018Good, how are you?\u2019 \u2014 I like to treat it as a bid for connection and offer a little personal detail. It makes the interaction more natural and engaging. Then, always ask about them too.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>For example: \u2018I\u2019m good! Had a great weekend \u2014 finally got outside for a hike. How about you?\u2019<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>This keeps the conversation open without feeling robotic or overly formal.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"how-to-answer-variations-of-how-are-you\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">How to answer variations of <em>\u201cHow are you?<\/em><em>\u201d<\/em><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>As we have demonstrated in some of our examples, asking <em>\u201cHow are you?\u201d <\/em>isn\u2019t the only way someone might inquire about your general wellbeing in a professional environment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Variations to this question include, among others:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p><em>\u201cHow are you doing?\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p><em>\u201cWhat did you do today?\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p><em>\u201cHow are you keeping?\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p><em>\u201cHow\u2019s life treating you?\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<p>Having said that, let\u2019s see how your response might vary based on the wording of the question.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"variation-1-how-have-you-been\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Variation #1: <em>\u201cHow have you been?\u201d<\/em><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>If someone at work asks you how you\u2019ve been, you could offer them the stock answer of: <em>\u201cPretty well, and you?\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>However, this version of the question also implies some level of familiarity between you and the person who\u2019s asking, so you can also expand on the answer to whatever degree you\u2019re comfortable with.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p><em>\u201cI\u2019ve been working a lot since we met last time. But, I can\u2019t complain. What about you?\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p><em>\u201cI\u2019ve been super busy. Can\u2019t wait for vacation.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p><em>\u201cI\u2019ve been pretty well!\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"variation-2-hows-it-going\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Variation #2: <em>\u201cHow\u2019s it going?\u201d<\/em><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Unlike the previous variation of <em>\u201cHow are you?\u201d<\/em>, which focuses on the past, this one is looking to find out your current state of mind.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you don\u2019t want to reveal too much information, you can respond with a simple:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p><em>\u201cIt\u2019s going very well.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<p>Once again, you can expand your answer by including details:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p><em>\u201cSwimmingly! Just sent in that report I worked on last week. On top of the world.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"variation-3-whats-up-or-whats-new\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Variation #3: <em>\u201cWhat\u2019s up?\u201d<\/em><em> <\/em>or<em> \u201cWhat\u2019s new?\u201d<\/em><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Since this is a more casual way to ask <em>\u201cHow are you?\u201d<\/em>, we can assume that this question is coming from a coworker you\u2019re fairly close with.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If that\u2019s the case, feel free to keep your answer just as relaxed, by saying:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p><em>\u201cNothing much.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p><em>\u201cJust the usual.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p><em>\u201cJust finished working on this task.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<p>If you\u2019re in the mood to chat some more, this would be the perfect time to ask your coworker a follow-up question, as seen in the example below.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"668\" src=\"https:\/\/pumble.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/Coworkers-arrange-a-coffee-break-on-Pumble-the-team-communication-app-min.png\" alt=\"Coworkers arrange a coffee break on Pumble, the team communication app\n\" class=\"wp-image-16525\" srcset=\"https:\/\/pumble.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/Coworkers-arrange-a-coffee-break-on-Pumble-the-team-communication-app-min.png 1200w, https:\/\/pumble.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/Coworkers-arrange-a-coffee-break-on-Pumble-the-team-communication-app-min-539x300.png 539w, https:\/\/pumble.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/Coworkers-arrange-a-coffee-break-on-Pumble-the-team-communication-app-min-1110x618.png 1110w, https:\/\/pumble.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/Coworkers-arrange-a-coffee-break-on-Pumble-the-team-communication-app-min-768x428.png 768w, https:\/\/pumble.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/Coworkers-arrange-a-coffee-break-on-Pumble-the-team-communication-app-min-18x10.png 18w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Coworkers arrange a coffee break on Pumble, the team communication app\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"banner banner-light pumble-gradient-templates\">\n    <div class=\"banner-text lg:pr-[6rem]\">\n        <span class=\"h4 text-lg translation-block mb-0\">All-in-one digital HQ<\/span>\n        <p class=\"translation-block mt-1 mb-3\">A communication app for teams of all kinds. Discuss, share, and collaborate.<\/p>\n\n        <div class=\"banner-buttons d-flex gap-4 align-items-center translation-block justify-content-center justify-content-sm-start\">\n            <a class=\"bg-white rounded px-3 py-1 text-gray-dark\" href=\"https:\/\/pumble.com\/solutions\" target=\"_blank\">Solutions<\/a>\n\n                            <a class=\"button-2\" href=\"https:\/\/pumble.com\/register\" target=\"_blank\">Register<\/a>\n                    <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n\n    <div class=\"banner-image banner-image-middle \">\n        <picture>\n            <source srcset=\"https:\/\/pumble.com\/blog\/wp-content\/themes\/cake-blog\/theme\/images\/banners\/templates@2x.png 2x\" alt=\"Illustration\"  media=\"(min-width: 1022px)\" \/>\n            <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/pumble.com\/blog\/wp-content\/themes\/cake-blog\/theme\/images\/banners\/templates.png\"  alt=\"Illustration\" \/>\n        <\/picture>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n    \n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"keep-the-conversation-flowing-with-pumble-by-cake-com\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Keep the conversation flowing with Pumble by CAKE.com<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The question<em> \u201cHow are you?\u201d <\/em>serves as both a greeting and a conversation starter, which is definitely something you need to consider before replying to it.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Depending on the situation and the person who asked you the question, you can respond in a multitude of manners, as demonstrated above. And, <strong>thanks to Pumble, an <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/pumble.com\/employee-communication-app\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>employee communication app<\/strong><\/a><strong> <\/strong>by CAKE.com, you can also respond in many different ways, by:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Replying to a <a href=\"https:\/\/pumble.com\/features\/direct-messages\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">direct message<\/a> with your own message,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Creating a <a href=\"https:\/\/pumble.com\/features\/threads\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">thread conversation<\/a>, to keep your chat clutter-free,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Sending a <a href=\"https:\/\/pumble.com\/features\/voice-messages\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">voice message<\/a>, if you\u2019re too busy to type everything out (or simply have too much to say), and, of course,&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Starting an audio or a <a href=\"https:\/\/pumble.com\/video-conferencing\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">video call<\/a> with the person.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Of course, before picking one of these Pumble features, consider the factors we\u2019ve mentioned above, as not every manner of responding is suitable for every person and situation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>Transform your professional communication!<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"custom-btn\"><a href=\"https:\/\/pumble.com\/register\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Try Pumble today<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>How to answer \u2018How are you\u2019? Here are some formal and creative responses that will help you keep the conversation in the right direction.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":22,"featured_media":16545,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[11],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-9877","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-professional-communication"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/pumble.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/9877","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/pumble.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/pumble.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/pumble.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/22"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/pumble.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=9877"}],"version-history":[{"count":39,"href":"https:\/\/pumble.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/9877\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":22880,"href":"https:\/\/pumble.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/9877\/revisions\/22880"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/pumble.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/16545"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/pumble.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=9877"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/pumble.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=9877"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/pumble.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=9877"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}