By Sarah Davis | Echo
Everyone at Taylor is so good. It's truly incredible how well we're all doing. There are the occasional few who are "fine," "well" and "pretty good" but for the most part, everyone is just really good.
"How are you?" is a kind question in its sincerest form. But the potential it holds for genuine conversation is fairly limited. Of course as a greeting, it's nice and even necessary. But the casual and repetitive, "I'm good, how are you?" can leave us exhausted and bored with perfectly well-meaning friends. So what's a Taylor student to do when we're doing well, but don't want to stunt conversation? And even more, what are we to say when we're not actually that good?
Here are some responses to that impending "How are you?" in the hopes of starting a few more thoughtful conversations.
If you're actually doing well:
"I'm real peachy." (People will think you are kidding, so you'll have to say, "No really. I am peachy," and then explain why.)
"I'm as happy as a freshman with a Grille cookie."
"I'm just joyful and happy and feeling real solid about everything."
Sing a song about how great you are.
"I'm happy as a clam."
"The Lord is good to me."
If you're not too good:
"I've been peachier."
"Today's been a little rough and I need a Grille cookie."
"You know, I'm breathing and I'm thankful for that."
"I've wanted to be in my bed all day, but I haven't been in my bed all day. So that's been kind of hard."
"My legs are just really sick of walking around."
Sing a somber melody.
"I'm happy as a sad clam."
"The Lord is good to me."
If the day was pretty uneventful, but you're just feeling awkward:
"I'll be honest, today has been pretty weird for me."
"You too!" (This is a nice and confusing way to throw someone off.)
Sing a song about how you uncomfortable you feel.
"I'm having a fairly awkward day, but it's okay because I know I have friends and I'm great, and the way I act around the opposite gender does not determine how cool I am."
"The Lord is good to me."
Somewhere between "good" and your testimony, there are perfect, genuine answers to this common question. But continuing to neglect an honest response only cultivates more small talk. Whether you are funny or serious in your approach, keep in mind your audience. And remember to just be honest. Saying "I'm good" every time isn't always good.
