Buzz
As children, we were often taught to recite certain phrases like 'please,' 'thank you,' and 'nice to meet you' to follow polite norms. Among them, asking how someone is doing—whether after a greeting or as part of 'hello' or 'good morning'—became second nature.
Over time, we realize that the customary 'How are you?' is often just a polite gesture. Most of the time, it's not a true inquiry into someone's well-being, nor do people expect a detailed answer.
But what about those times when you genuinely want to know how someone is coping with life or their work? Skip the traditional 'How are you?' and opt for one of these questions instead.
Consider these alternative questions instead of simply asking, 'How are you?' to encourage more meaningful exchanges.
Stephanie Harrison, a happiness researcher and founder of The New Happy, an organization dedicated to promoting a new approach to happiness, believes that the secret to fulfillment lies in cultivating deep, authentic connections with others.
In a recent article for CNBC Make It, she suggests that forming these kinds of relationships requires engaging in conversations that go beyond superficial small talk. To achieve this, Harrison proposes asking these questions instead of 'How are you?' to invite more sincere responses:
'How are you, really?'
'How are you feeling at this moment?'
'What’s been on your mind recently?'
'If you were completely open with me, how would you describe your emotions right now?'
'What’s been going well, and what’s been challenging for you?'
'What word best sums up your life at the moment?'
'The last time we spoke, you were dealing with [X problem]. How has that been going?'
'What’s a question you wish someone would ask you right now?'
Read the full article to explore more of Harrison’s insights and recommendations.
