Since I’m here I couldn’t count that how many times people asking me ‘how are you’ and I actually don’t know how to response this due to the difference of the greeting ways.

Today I came across Grace in the corridor of our apartment building. Again I was asking ‘How are you?’ It could be simple as a normal greeting way here but I just not be adapted to it. At the hometown we just say people’s name if he/she is an acquaintance. Or maybe just one word meaning “good morning” could be enough. So just to avoid awkwardness, I have to do some work here.

Easy responses:

  • I’m fairly/really well.

  • Interesting.

  • never been better.

  • so far, so good (about progress in a task).

  • can’t complain! (depends on the tone of the voice).

  • Better than I deserve.

‘Ok’ (neither good or bad):

  • I am alright.(both questions and answers).
  • So so.
  • Not too bad.
  • could be better.
  • Same old, same old.
  • I am alive/I am surviving (just so close to being bad)
  • Good enough.

Sarcastic responses:

  • I am alright now, but there’s still time for everything to go horribly wrong.
  • Better now that I am talking to you. (really charming isn’t it?).

Negative ones:

  • I’m not going to lie.. I feel terrible…
  • I’m not doing so well.
  • I’m struggling a bit.
  • I’m snowed under (got too much work).
  • It’s been a tough day/week/year.
  • I’m not having an easy time at this moment.

Avoid the question:

  • You don’t want to know.
  • Don’t ask.
  • Do I have to answer that.
  • It’s too early to tell (morning).

Funny ones:

  • Overworked and underpaid.