Do you think the phrase "How are you" is overused?

Question

Like for example, people usually say something like "Hey, how are you? Anywhoo yesterday..." and so on they don't even wait for a reply!

Or if the person does reply, it's usually "Good thanks, you?" And they lie through their own teeth.

I'm not saying this is true for everybody, just my own personal experiences.

I think people use the "how are you?" to engage in a conversation (which is a good thing!) but don't actually mean what they say.

Whilst others say that they're fine because they probably don't want to bother people (or complain, if you will) with their own personal life.

What are your thoughts?

I am here today to ask "how are you?" because I feel as though you people deserve someone who cares for you!

Honestly, how is/was your day? how are you?

(Feel free to message me, as I'm always willing to listen).

Answer 1

It is a phrase that cannot be overused simply because it is a greeting and almost like a word in the English language itself.  We naturally use this anyways.  It is also a necessity because it opens doors to communication and shows people that we care.

Answer 2

I indeed think it is overused.

I hate when it's being used as a simple greeting. If someone asks me how I am doing, I want it to be sincere, I want them to actually care what I reply and not act all surprised or shocked if I reply something else than "good, and you?"

Answer 3

I feel the same way as you do: It seems overused when people use it as a "standard" greeting, without really meaning what they say, which is to know how the other person is actually doing.

Thank you for asking me, kind sir. It's a holiday in Manila right now, so my partner and I are taking it easy, cooking at home and lounging around, watching old movies, and I feel very, very relaxed and happy that I am able to get a "breather" from a toxic work week. I hope you are just as happy, if not even more so.

How are you? =)

Answer 4

Yep, I even avoid saying it but if that other person who I'm talking to hasn't said it and I haven't used it in quiet a while then I will.

So anyways... How are you?  

Answer 5

What may seem to you like superficial conversation can also mean that they are really saying, "I appreciate the fabric of my current relationship with you."  And the reply, "Fine, and you?"  could be interpretted as, "I'm not going to burden you with my current problems."  If this still does not quench your cynical thirst, you can merely reply to them, "You dance divinely!" and see if they get it.  Fun is where you find it.

Try listening to the song, "What a Wonderful World" by Louis Armstrong.  Really give it a listen.

Answer 6

Yes, it is. I usually say "How do you feel?" instead to catch them off guard so they'll answer =p

I'm fine! Somewhat tired, though.

Answer 7

It's common courtesy to be used sometimes as a segue into the real point of a conversation. Of course, if the questioner knows you intimately, the question takes on greater significance. I think your real issue is with the person who asks the question, rendering it -- to your way of thinking -- meaningless. The phrase "I love you" can also be called overused, misused, or too trite to have any meaning. Would you really strip "I love you" from English usage? When said by the right person, it is magical.

Answer 8

its just a curtosey that is pretty much mandatory in our society. I always say "fine thanks. you?" even if i'm obviously not!

Answer 9

That's a very nice gesture. :)

I think the phrase is overused, but like you expressed, it's a good way to initiate a conversation with someone. It definitely is easier to just answer the question by saying, "I'm fine" or "good" and not get into it, but if the person is genuine, they'll ask you to elaborate.

My day today was a little boring. Thanks for asking. :)

Answer 10

no, but I think the word "fabulous" and "awesome" are really overused words.