Navigating 'I Am Fine, What About You': A Comprehensive Guide

When faced with the common phrase 'I am fine, what about you', particularly in social or professional settings, it can be frustrating to navigate this seemingly simple question. Depending on the context and the person asking, your response can play a significant role in continuing or closing the conversation. Here, we dive into the nuances of answering 'I am fine, what about you' through the lens of MBTI personality types and provide practical advice for different situations.

The Context and MBTI Perspective

Understanding the context is crucial in responding to such questions. In the context of the Myer-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI), both Artisans and Entertainers might exhibit a playful and engaging demeanor. An Entertainer, for example, might respond with: 'Wow, it would take three men and a boy to describe just how Irsquo;m doing. In fact, theyrsquo;d probably take turns and the discussion would continue until well after lunch.' This response reflects the Entertainerrsquo;s natural inclination to engage and draw attention to themselves.

From an Artisan perspective, the response could be more succinct, perhaps even whimsical: 'This is a loaded question. Letrsquo;s start with the injuries, and then wersquo;ll move on to the emotions, shall we?'

The Frequency of Curiosity

While it might seem that people are asking 'How are you?' out of genuine interest, the truth is often different. It is rare for someone to be specifically inquisitive about the other person's well-being. For instance, a recent anecdote comes to mind. I was at another building, reacquainted with an old friend, and had cut my head earlier that day. My friend asked humorously, 'Well Egghead, aside from the fact that yoursquo;re bleeding like a stuck pig, how are you doing?' The humor of the situation made it a fun conversation starter.

In most cases, the question is a social courtesy with little deeper intent. If the relationship is well-known, the answer would be obvious. Typically, if the person is a casual acquaintance, a more restrained response like 'Not bad' might suffice. However, starting a response with 'I am fine' can sometimes come across as unnatural or even intrusive. Given the myriad ways to describe one's well-being, the phrase 'I am fine' can seem abrupt and dismissive.

Strengthening Your Responses

When conversing with a colleague or friend, consider how your response influences the comfort and direction of the conversation. The underlying question is whether you want to continue the dialogue or allow it to remain superficial. Here are some useful phrases to consider:

'Fine as well, thanks. Itrsquo;s good to see you. Say, whatrsquo;s up with that new project you were telling me about last time?' This response allows you to connect to a previous shared experience. 'Irsquo;ve had better days. Irsquo;d like to stop and chat, but duty calls.' This serves as a polite way to steer the conversation towards a closing remark, suggesting you have other commitments. 'Not bad, how about you? Maybe we can catch up more later on the details.' This leaves room for the possibility of further discussion.

Often, the person asking 'I am fine, what about you' might not even be pausing to give you a response. This is a clear signal that the other person is busy and should not be detained from their own tasks. Taking this into account can help you respond appropriately and avoid contributing to a lengthy or unnecessary conversation.

Conclusion

In conclusion, navigating the phrase 'I am fine, what about you' depends heavily on the context and the relationship with the person asking. Whether you are an Entertainer or an Artisan, your response should be tailored to fit the situation. By understanding the underlying intent of the question and your comfort level with the conversation, you can craft a response that is both genuine and meaningful. The key is to balance your response with the social dynamics and personal well-being.

Whether it is a simple 'Not bad' or a more elaborate response, the most important thing is to make the other person feel valued and understood while maintaining the comfort level of the conversation.