Greeting Card Alternatives

In our daily interactions, the common “How are you?” might hinder genuine connections, say psychologists. Dr. Craig Kain notes its generic nature lacks true concern and often leads to automatic, surface-level responses.

Asking about specific details in someone’s life, like referencing a recent event or accomplishment, shows genuine interest and encourages deeper sharing.

Dr. Reena B. Patel suggests giving a time frame, making the inquiry less generic and prompting thoughtful responses beyond the usual “I’m good.”

Checking in after significant events, such as a job interview or a tough conversation, demonstrates that you’re attuned to the specifics of their life.

Similarly, acknowledging the time elapsed since your last conversation allows for a seamless continuation, showing that you’ve been attentive and value their experiences.

To foster curiosity and connection, inquire about emotional highs and lows of their day, as suggested by Dr. Andrew Cuthbert.

This open-ended question goes beyond politeness and invites detailed responses, providing a window into their inner world.

Dr. Patel recommends asking, “How are you holding up?” as an open invitation to explore emotions. It signals a genuine interest in understanding their feelings without applying pressure.

According to Dr. Cuthbert, the key is to show sincere care, regardless of the specific question. Following up with a genuine expression of interest, such as, “I really want to know, if you’re open to sharing more,” emphasizes your intention to connect on a deeper level.

For a thoughtful approach, Dr. Cuthbert suggests considering questions on four different levels: gauging openness to deeper inquiries, simple variations of “How are you?”, creative ways to understand emotions, and questions that invite self-compassion.

Thus, upgrading your greetings involves moving beyond the automatic “How are you?” to phrases that demonstrate genuine care and interest.

Re-reported from the article originally published in The Parade