I’m a liar. I lie to people I don’t even know.
I dropped in at the local supermarket this afternoon. After grabbing what I needed I headed for the checkout.
The young lady serving me was very pleasant and gave me the pre-programmed greeting, “Hello, how are you today?” “Good thanks.” I said.
I lied.
Pauline, Emily, James and I have been feeling rather below average this week. Neither of the kids have been to school this week and Pauline has been feeling pretty dreadful. I’m not so good but I’ve managed to keep going and sound cheery on the radio. James is now much better, I think I’m improving, but the ladies are still suffering.
It’s an interesting phenomenon isn’t it? People can ask us how we are and unless they’re someone close we generally just ignore the facts and tell them that we’re fine. We already know that the question comes out of politeness rather than for concern for our welfare and wellbeing.
I wonder how it would have been if I’d answered truthfully. “Well, now that you ask, I’ve got a bad headache, I’m rather achy and as for my ….. ” (I’ll spare you the rest of the details.)
In the wider community it’s probably wise that we don’t burden everyone with how we’re really doing but I suppose the question is, do we have people in our lives who ask how we are and really means it? I love having people who are close enough to me to ask how I’m doing and really want to know. It’s good to know that there are people who really want to share the good and bad of life with us.
The next question of course is are we offering that kind of listening ear to others? I knew right away that the shop assistant didn’t really want to hear how I was and I’m quite sure that most of us know when “good thanks” is appropriate and when it’s right to share a bit more.
I certainly hope that people know that when I ask them how they are, that they can share how life is really going for them.
Do you think some of your friends would enjoy reading Good … Thanks? Please use the buttons below to share the post. Thanks.
I say the same thing as well to the people I think don’t really care. It is quite amuzing to say the truth though sometimes. It threw the petrol station attendant when he asked my mother how she was doing after my father had died hehe.
I bet the petrol station attendant changed their standard greeting after that. 🙂
This has annoyed me for some time – so i now make the conscious effort to be as honest as i can….which usually means i say “fantastic!” to the person asking. It usually takes them by surprise and then makes for some interesting conversation as to why i’m so fantastic. I mean, even if i’m feeling sick I’m still glad i’m alive, got food, shelter etc etc – and hopefully it brightens up their day a little to be so positive about life even when things are against you.
The other thing I often do is add in another phrase….instead of just saying “fantastic thanks” or “good thanks” I usually add in something like “yeah finished work for the night so looking forward to heading home” or “yep i’ll be even better once i start this coffee” or whatever – smalltalk with your cashier can often make your day – and you end up building up a ‘friendship’ with your local attendants if you’re regular to their store.
Great idea, Shelley. I think I might try that.
I sometimes do have a bit of a conversation with people serving me but I really should make it a habit rather than it being something that happens occasionally.
Most of the time my mind is on other things and a grunted “okay” is all I offer. But if I’m feeling mischievous, I might reply with something like “Well, the bowels are like concrete and the rash is spreading, but at least the voices in my head are quieter today”.
Once the person realises I’m being frivolous, it usually leads to us having a bit of a laugh. Odd moments of strange humour have power to brighten an otherwise ordinary day … maybe that’s why God installed a sense of humour in us!
I suppose we should all start answering honestly.
The worse that could happen is that people would ask less.
🙂
Graham, I’m sure you get some interesting responses to your answers. 🙂
Answering honestly? There’s an interesting idea, Barbara. 🙂