“How are you?”

 Three little words that can result in a variety of responses. At work, it’s said in passing, either the question fading away with the footsteps as two people pass one another, or the response such a fast flurry of words it’s any wonder what the answer was.

I’ve noticed that if one wanted the ‘short answer’ response, the question must be asked at least ten paces away – minimum. If the time of day is such that a longer response can be given, the respondent might be a magnificent twirl like a dancer, pivot like a basketball player, or smoothly spin like a server accustomed to balancing several things at once and not missing a beat.

I know someone who loathes being asked that question. Whether it’s because the inquisitor thinks it’s cute to imitate a ‘reel injun‘ (a fascinating documentary a friend recommended that I’m waiting for from the library) or because it comes across as a throwaway, not really interested, noise-making remark – who knows. I’ve learned never to ask the short question of this person.

Yet, it never stops me from asking in the halls. Sometimes, good news can be shared or an update on a recent concern. Sometimes it may require (if time and traffic permit) a moment to stand aside and chat. And every now and then it can get a startling (in a good way) response of ‘thanks for asking!’

One person at my church home in Denver gave the same answer 98% of the time in a booming, cheerful voice – “Outstanding!” It didn’t matter how things were elsewhere, he responded “Outstanding!” For some, the reason to ask was just for the response, in an uplifting kind of way. The other 2% of the time, his responses would be ‘out of the ordinary’ replies. If he asked you the question and you said ‘Fine,’ he’d reply with ‘Coarse’ just to see if you were paying attention – that and claim that it was an ‘upgrade’ in the sandpaper department. Other times it might be in German or Latin just to keep you on your toes.

Now, that short question has probably been abbreviated thanks to texting, twittering or any other technological form of communication.

“How are you?”

Me? Blessed, content and very fortunate, thank you.