Comments on: I Want To Be Ornery Too

By: Kerri Anne

Kerri Anne — Wed, 10 Sep 2008 19:06:25 +0000

It’s not surprising to me that so many people who have commented have mentioned that typically the person asking the “How are you?” question isn’t so genuine in their inquiry. Which is reason number 427 why I LOATHE small talk. If you don’t CARE how someone is, why even ask them? If you do care, then you should prepare yourself for an honest answer. Even if that honest answer is less than sunshine and roses.

When someone asks me that question, I typically say “well,” because mostly I am, though if I’m having a sub par day the only response will be a less than enthusiastic “OK.” I’ve never been able to hide my emotion well, and only recently have I finally started liking that about myself.

By: Erin

Erin — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 13:11:36 +0000

It’s been my experience that people aren’t so much uninterested in the response as not even listening to it, especially in a place of business, ie: Starbucks. It’s a nicety before getting to the meat of your interaction which is what form of liquid crack will you be purchasing that moment. My typical response: “I’m bursting with fruit flavor.” The double take I get and the look of “wait, what? Did she say that?” is always worth it, especially when I am anything but. It never fails to cheer me up a little.

By: skeezix

skeezix — Sun, 07 Sep 2008 00:54:48 +0000

Yes, I just assume people don’t really want to know. I would only answer truthfully to close friends and family.

My father, on the other hand, is one of those older dudes who always says in response “Best day of my life!” all enthusiastic. That really throws people.

By: carol

carol — Sat, 06 Sep 2008 15:13:34 +0000

I usually say Great. Sometimes okay. But with people who “know” me, the girls at the bank, etc. I usually try to think of a story about my day with a happy, positive slant. I don’t know why I do that.
Faith on Buffy the Vampire Slayer always said, “Five by five”. Nobody knew why.
An old guy I knew always said “10 yrs younger since the last time you asked”

By: superblondgirl

superblondgirl — Sat, 06 Sep 2008 01:09:21 +0000

It feels SO GOOD to go against the grain and tell the truth – I always admit if I’m hot or cranky or tired or bored or whatever, and I love how it makes me feel better, more honest. Try it. Though, not with your boss or something, unless you have a cool boss. Sometimes you have to keep up the whole social norms thing, which is why I continue to wear pants to work. Most of the time.

By: Amy

Amy — Fri, 05 Sep 2008 21:40:03 +0000

I usually say, “I’ve been better. You?”

Which is true, but doesn’t destroy the social rule.

By: jennifer in sf

jennifer in sf — Fri, 05 Sep 2008 16:18:40 +0000

If it’s not someone I have any relationship with I generally go with some variation of “Fine, and you?” Because, really? They don’t care. But with my friends at work, or the nice girl who I get coffee from every single day, they might hear something approaching the truth.

I love ornery and hungry though. I have been ornery and hungry MANY times. Usually all I can really do is grunt at people at that point.

By: pamzella

pamzella — Fri, 05 Sep 2008 06:52:32 +0000

It’s all in the tone… I just say “ducky.” If I’m happy, it’s “ducky!” Like when I get to see Moose in person. When I’m not happy, it’s more like “grimace> ducky…” If the person can’t get over the fact that I said the word “ducky” and was not surrounded by bath bubbles at age 4, then, they weren’t prepared to hear anything else about how I am.

By: Peter Varvel

Peter Varvel — Fri, 05 Sep 2008 06:04:35 +0000

I always answer coworkers with, “I’m precious,” which is always amusing, because they never seem to know how to respond to that.
Besides, I AM, precious that is. And so are you.
When we meet, we will hurl any balled-up soft food as a form of fun friendship therapy.

By: The Over-Thinker

The Over-Thinker — Fri, 05 Sep 2008 01:40:57 +0000

I wish I had a “Norm” answer when asked questions about how I feel, how my day is going, etc.

My favorite “Norm” answer:

Sam: What are you up to Norm?
Norm: My ideal weight if I were 11 feet tall.

Here is a site that has them all. Study it so you can have a clever comeback. Just replace every “beer” with “cheese biscuit” and you’ll be dandy.