how are you?

Do you greet people "how are you?" because you really mean to know how he is doing? or do you greet "how are you" out of a habit?

"how are you?" is a powerful question. it can be an opener to a great conversation. It can maintain a strong friendship. It can also rebuild a relationship.

to a stranger, it could mean just a mere greeting. like to the sales lady in your favorite shop who is more than willing to help you find what you look for. who will respond to you with a warm and welcoming smile. to the janitor in your office who's not tired of delivering your mails. who manages to respond you with a nod. to the security guard in your village, who displays dedication to his work and cares to say "good morning sir" back to you.

These "how-are-you's" may just come out from our mouth out of habit, but to these people, it may mean a big thing because the line "how are you?" implies a gesture that you care for them. the number of hours the sales lady needs to stand to help customers, the wide spaces the janitor must clean and manage to deliver some letters, the sleepless hours the guard needs to be awake to protect you.

how much more to a dear friend who is troubled. hearing "how-are-you?" can move mountains. to your parents who never complained about how tough it is to raise you. "how are you?" can make their heart feel light.

so when asked "how are you?" you may want to know how's the person asking is doing too. for sometimes, it's us who needs to be asked, "how are you?"