How to Respond to How Are You?

How do YOU respond to How are you?

Fine, thanks!

Often when I meet someone, they say, “How are you?” or “How are you doing?” If I know them and it wouldn’t seem rude, I sometimes laugh and reply, “Hard to tell. I’ve never been this old before.”  Seems kind of smart-alecky, but it’s true. 

As I think about many of my friends in their present circumstances, maybe my answer should actually be, “I’m terrific! Look at me, standing upright, and having a great chat with you.” But, when I think back to the human dynamo I was twenty years ago, when I was only at age 50, I have to shake my head and think to myself, “Maybe not so good.”

Great thinkers have provided us with considerable amounts of wisdom on the subject. I’ve curated a few lighthearted, optimistic quotes to make you smile:

“You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream.” C.S. Lewis

“No one is so old as those who have outlived enthusiasm.” Henry David Thoreau

“We don’t stop playing because we grow old; we grow old because we stop playing.” George Bernard Shaw

“I intend to live forever. So far, so good.” Comedian Steven Wright

So far, so good. Yes! That’s how I feel! 

Yet another favorite reflection is attributed to Satchel Paige. He asked the insightful question, “How old would you be if you didn’t know how old you are?” 

Now, that’s something to think about! He reminds us that slapping age labels on ourselves has nothing to do with what our abilities and what we can yet do. We can choose to live as though we are 65 even if we’re 80!

Not Everyone Has An Opportunity To Grow Old!

Stealing once more from Steven Wright as I look back on my life, “I thought it would take longer to get this old.” My good news is that I just set a new personal record for living. I beat yesterday’s record by one day!

Finally, I offer a quote from that prolific and versatile writer known as “Anonymous.” who said, “Do not regret growing older. It is a privilege denied to many.”

After pondering all of the above insight, I gratefully conclude the way I must respond to “How are you?” is… “I’m really fine.”

In fact, the more I think of it, I might even be GREAT!

Written by Glenn Blair, guest writer for Aging Gracefully TV!

Share your thoughts in the comment box below…

How do YOU respond to “How are you?”

Do you feel the gratitude for each moment?

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