What is the best response to 'How are you?"

Frankly speaking i never ask someone as how they're doing in my real life until and unless we haven't see each other for years.however answers do differ for my friends and relatives. I'm doing good ... would be my reply to "how are you".great day.

When i'm asked that, i usually say "i'm alright".

I always say what I feel. Like when I'm sad I say "I'm a bit down but I'm alright" followed by a smile then "How about you, how are you?"("Ikaw, Kamusta?" Philippine Version) Remember the smile is important no matter how down/sad/stressed you feel. I wouldn't want people to get sad because of me I'd rather make them smile for something that I've done

I always answer that question with, "I'm still alive," in a sarcastic kind of way...well, to my close friends or colleagues anyway. It always elicits a laugh. I don't think it's funny either but it's like a release of stress from everyday work. Anyway, it's an automatic answer but always it's "I'm fine. How about you?"

I often say 'not bad,and you?'

For me, the best response to that question is an answer which COMES FROM YOUR HEART. Honestly, I'm saying "Fine" or "Okay" to someone who asks me that question if we're not that close or if I am not in good mood. :S Just for the sake of answering his/her question, I just answer "I'm fine" or "I'm good." But if I'm in good mood, I answer it sincerely. =)) Isn't true that if someone asks that question, our answer would always be "Fine" even though we're not? =)) It's funny, but that's our "culture" already. Haha! Anyway, a response should really COMES FROM YOUR HEART, and NOT JUST FOR THE SAKE OF ANSWERING THE QUESTION. :)

Hi ! If I am fine, I would say - I am fine and if I am unwell or in trouble, I would say that am in trouble. If the question is being asked by someone very close to me, I would rather tell her/him the actual position, rather than saying 'it is alright'.

I just say how I really feel and ask the person the same question. For example, "I'm doing good, how about you?" thats how I usually do it.

When someone asks me how I am, I am normally honest if it is a close friend, but if it isn't I will probably just say I am fine. If I'm having a particularly bad day, I might just tell someone who isn't a close friend how bad I am feeling! But on most days, I am feeling happy so I will probably just tell them I am having a great day and ask them how they have been. :]

i usually say fine although its usually not true. but my late hubby used to say i got a lot of complaints if you have time to listen, or do you really care? he was a joker.

when somebody asks me "how are you?" i always answer them " i am fine, thank you" with matching question " how do you do?" because it gets the conversation going.

Well here in Vancouver people are so polite that they usually ask you "How are You?" so my response was always Fine then will return them with "How about you or how are you then" It's a formal way or you can say "oh Good , Good ". Or I'm ok men!

usually i say, im alright, good. not to many words. :) happy day to all!

That depends on what mood I'm in or on the person who's asking. Generally, my best response is also "fine".

I usually say that I'm doing good...at least good enough.I have never had anyone hug me, kiss my hand or bow in response to that question. That would just be weird. I think the worst answer is when the person starts in telling you all that is wrong in their life and what can you do but listen? I mean...you did ask after all, right?

For me, I'll say "the best" or "great". Its just to lift up the vigor and be connection between speakers.

Hi soul! Just as you would ask someone else, there is nothing rude for an answer like "Fine, thanks". It's simple and is good enough for you as well as for others.

When I am asked of that question, I always answered them "I'm fine. You?". Well, that is always the first question to start a conversation. Yeah, that is formal but as the conversation go along, further feelings are expressed. Happy mylotting!

If its that rude or too formal... mm I'll just say...".." thanks for the topic.. have a great day/night..

It depends. Most time I will say"Not bad,how are you?" Sometimes I will say"Some busy.How about you?" Even sometimes I will say"I am dying of XXX,can you give a help?"