"How are you doing?"

[Guest]

I've been having troubles with this question. do people actually want to know how you're doing, or do they simply want you to say "good" and ask them back? and what's a good way to ans this question when things are going really shitty for you without coming off as a crybaby "woe-is-me" type?

[Guest]

When they ask that, say, " Great! Now here's the real question, do you actually care or are you just doing it to be polite? (smile, no eye contact)"

Her: "No really, I mean it."
You: "Uh huh, you girls are all the same (smile, no eye contact)

It's important to not make eye contact as it shows you are not outcome dependent, and you are just razzing her.

Usually they ask, "What does that mean?!"

If they do, laugh and then go into your routine, or if you'd rather go to comfort. Make sure to transition cleanly.

Or go into, "You know, my dog just died, it sucks really." (or whatever bad thing happened, but if it's not a super sad thing then you'll just sound like a whine tit.)