HOW ARE YOU

You know, I’ve been thinking a lot lately about the greeting, “How are you?”

“Goodmorning, how are you?” “Hello, how are you?” “It’s good to see you again, how are you?”

Usually it is answered with:

“Fine.” “I am well, how are you?” “Never better.” Etc.

I wonder how people would react if I answered with:

“Depressed as hell.” “My bank account is negative again, thank you for asking.” “I need help.” Etc.

Don’t lie. You don’t care how I am. And if I’m being honest, I don’t really care how you are either.

So why do we ask

If this colloquial expression could be transcribed from your mouth to the page it would look like this: “How are you.”

You see, leaving out the question mark offers less open-ended opportunity for you to dump your problems on me. And vice versa.

It can simply be responded with: “Fine.” “Good.” “Well.”

The three pillars of niceties that hold up the world and keep it spinning.

If you need to talk Search for that unconventional little daisy growing through the sidewalk crack. Don’t ask me where they make them I don’t know.

How are you? This phrase, if used with intention, has the power to turn a dam of concrete into styrofoam, floating away as the waters are liberated.

What a fucking concept.

To share and be heard. To hear and understand.

Nevermind.

Patch your cracks. Hold the gate. Let the waters rise.

Noah, do build your ark.

How are you?

I’m fine.