Re-writing #2
As you go out into the world, you see people. For those you know and in certain situations with those you don’t, greetings are how we acknowledge our fellow humans…in elevators, at restaurants, in offices and in lobbies of all sorts.
Years ago, I grew bored with the standard responses to the most basic questions offered in these scenarios. So, I decided to experiment with new answers just to see how it worked out. I’ve never looked back, adding new variations over the years.
Here are some questions you will receive in casual greetings and conversations. To be sure, we all ask these questions as a way to be friendly, not usually because we actually want an in-depth answer. These are some of mine:
- How are you doing?
“Swell.” Invariably, I get a chuckle. Sounds like a Leave It To Beaver response from the 1950’s. The tone with which I deliver it reveals the meaning.
“Well, I’m having a good hair day.” In truth, I haven’t even had a hair day in over a decade as I keep my male pattern baldness clipped tighter than the picture above! This response always elicits a moment of casual comedy.
“I’d say 9 out of 10, but I’m probably biased.”
- What do you know?
“All kinds of things.” Most people say, “nothing”or “not much.” This is tacitly untrue. Everyone knows all kinds of things. Granted, no one else may be very interested in what you know, but why say “nothing?”
Every once in a while, I bring out an unexpectedly random piece of information. Just be careful with your audience on this one.
- How’s it going?
“Fast.” Most folks answer with “fine.” But, my world usually is going fast, so I adopted this glimpse into my routine for a jolt of light affability.
Pro tip: Unless these questions are asked in a context of initiating deep care and conversation, no one really wants to hear the 5 to 30 minute answer. These questions are our most common ways of greeting each other, so be creative. Have fun by designing your own brief answers. Re-write your most basic replies with hints of whimsy, relays of positivity, and a splash of casual comedy.
Worth Repeating
“[He] said he didn’t think we should be afraid to embrace whimsy. I asked him what he meant by whimsy, and he struggled to define it. He said it’s that nagging idea that life could be magical; it could be special if we were only willing to take a few risks.”
-Donald Miller
