How Are You?

6th October 2021 Mrs Kala Pohl

The “how are you?” question has puzzled me over the years.  Somewhere along the way, we have forgotten the purpose of that phrase.  Ever notice how someone can ask you this question and just move on before you can even formulate a response.  Their body language says, “it’s just a formality, I’m really not interested.”  It’s not a question that expects a response anymore.  At a deeper level they really don’t care about your response and often feel at a loss if you do actually tell them how you feel.  Many feel they are not equipped to help, so it’s best not to wait to find out.  In reality, people don’t expect you to fix their problems, they just want you to acknowledge them, to listen with compassion, to sincerely care about their well-being.  That’s it.

Hmm…I wonder, how did we get to this point?  Was there a time, sometime in the past, when people expected a response?  Perhaps today, we can do a reboot – to ask someone “how are you?”  And then wait for their response, however long it takes.

So, how are you? 

I leave you with my acrylic painting entitled “Afternoon Walk to the Lake”. 

2 thoughts on “How Are You?

  1. You made me laugh. I realised how often this has happened to me. I am always puzzled why they don’t stop to hear my response. I diligently reply thinking that they are concerned. However, I have to agree with you, they don’t care. This reads like what was written on the coat that someone wore when she boarded the plane to visit the kids who were held in the detention centre. :):).

    Honestly, it is better to just say Hi or Hello or a friendly nod or smile. Rather than that fake ‘How are you?’

    I now wonder how this originated? Hope to hear from anyone who has some clue.

    Love your painting. Feel like taking a stroll and enjoy the serenity:).

  2. Thank you Beena. It still continues to happen to me:) I think the “how are you” is more like “hello” to me these days:):)

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