...what is the correct response to the question 'hi, how're you today?'? I get asked everytime I go into a shop, but I have a sneaking suspision that the asker couldn't give a rat's toss how the askee is today, yesterday or tomorrow. I generally reply 'good thanks, how are you?', and rarely get an answer. Andy thinks non-commital grunting is the way forward, but I don't like to appear rude. What is the point in asking how someone is if you don't want to hear the answer? Just saying 'hi' would be fine, failing that (safeways cashiers take note) just not throwing my %&*£ing groceries at me like you are on Supermarket Sweep then complaining when I haven't bagged them one nanosecond after you have scanned them would be fine. Have a nice day y'all.
Suggestion for Americans: try curry, it's really nice.
Suggestion for American supermarkets: try stocking curry paste. See above.
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2 comments:
I just came back from a year in Australia and had the EXACT same confusion. Where I am from "How are you?" is a genuine question! Why ask if u dont really want to know? No one is going to shoot you for just saying "Hi"
Well, I got the hang of just saying "Good, thanks" after realising that if I said "Gd thanks, how are you?" my question would be ignored. What a waste of time.
Once, I was having a terrible day, and asked a kebab stall owner, "Do you REALLY want to know how I am?" and proceeded to rattle of all the things that went wrong that day...He smiled uncomfortably at me hehehe
That said, Aussies are really friendly people. I just dont get this perfunctory statement.
Maybe I'll try the direct approach too :-)... Not sure I'm brave enough though!
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