10 Things To Say Instead Of "How Are You"

"How are you" has become redundant.

Take a minute to remember the last time someone truly told you how they were feeling when asked this question. Try to remember the last time you told how you truly were feeling when someone asked you.

This question has become a thoughtless and useless greeting.

We lose an opportunity to form a meaningful connection when we ask this question. This question only has meaning when asked of a person we already have a close connection with and in the context of sincerely inquiring about their well-being. Other than that this question is rarely answered with total truth.

We can, however, make sure we don't lose the opportunity by simply framing better greetings. We can do this in two ways:

1. Instead of asking "how are you", greet by saying something nice. It could be "nice to see you," "I'm happy to see you again," or "I'm happy you're here."

2. Instead of asking "how are you", inquire about their work, interests or well-being. Ask, "what are you working on currently?" or "what has been the best part of your day so far?" or even "what is keeping you motivated"

When we do this we project that we are happy to meet who we are meeting with and that we are interested in talking to them. We can be assured that they will not expect us to say anything other than "how are you".

But when they hear us say it, it will please them because will have made them feel welcome and appreciated.

A simple change in the way we greet will improve the connections that we all are working to form.

Here are ten greetings we can use instead of "how are you".

In a business setting ask or say:

1. Thank you for having me or thank you for agreeing to meet.

2. Did you have a comfortable commute?

3. How is work coming along?

4. I hope you are well.

5. What are you working on currently?

In a social setting ask or say:

1. I am happy to see you.

2. What are you doing right now?

3. Long time... (cliched but say this with excitement and you will inspire excitement in response.)

4. What have you been up to since we last talked?

5. That's a nice... (compliment any noticeable accessory or change in appearance.)

Each of these statements can be used in different combinations. The goal is to make our acquaintance feel appreciated and accepted.