Close friends and family Give them a brief, honest answer to open the conversation and move onto more in-depth conversation. Examples: “I’m feeling a little down today, I’ll fill you in later. How are you doing?” “I’m feeling really elated today. I got that promotion I was telling you about!” Acquaintances Give a short, honest answer to people you see often but you don’t know very well (like friends of friends, bosses, coworkers, and clients). Examples: “Not too shabby, how about you?” “Pretty good, thanks. How are you?” People you don’t know Speak in a friendly tone and give a brief answer to people you don’t know at all. In everyday encounters, the question “how are you?” is more of a social pleasantry and the asker doesn’t expect much of a lengthy response anyway. Examples: “Good, thanks. You?” “Can’t complain.”