quote:

ORIGINAL: pahunkboy


Both the neighbor  age 75, and my mother- always need to tell me about the aches and pains.  I guess I get that way as well.

Why is it that people do this?

quote:

ORIGINAL: Phoenixpower

lol, this "How are you" question amuses me at times...sometimes I tend to reply "Do you want the german or the british answer?" As in my view...they only want to hear the regular answer "I am fine" anyway...therefore that's my british answer...whereas if someone asks me for my german response...then don't feel offended of my very blunt answer on that one.

quote:

ORIGINAL: stella41b

All I can say is consider yourself lucky that you're not here in the UK where I've encountered a few people prepared to give you regular updates about their bowel movements.

'How are you?'
'Well I haven't been for three days now' or 'I'm regular again.' And in places in Central Europe they've even got toilets with shelves so you can view your own creations before you flush. Ewww!!!

I'd also avoid countries in Central Europe like Poland where it's expected to respond to a 'How are you?' with a brief report of your health, ailments and financial problems. When I was living there it took me almost four years to work that one out. Prior I'd respond with the standard Western or American 'fine', 'I'm doing good' but I realized people responded much better when I did the same and told them about some ailment. It doesn't matter if you're as fit as a fiddle - make one up!

I don't mind people telling me about their ailments and problems, I mean as we get older we start getting them and many doctors nowadays simply don't have the time to sit and listen to their patients properly as they're so overworked. Indeed, at my local surgery sometimes it's like a race when you walk in to see the doctor - your objective is to get to the chair and sit down before the doctor manages to get hold of the prescription pad and a pen.

This is one of things about Americans which amuses me so much - together with their obsession with the weather, tendency to go 'crisis-shopping', general fear of making commitments (I'm guessing but I'm almost certain American society is based on the casual acquaintance) and the way they use English is their instinctive loathing of 'whining' and 'drama'. You can ask 'How are you?' to someone who's visibly suffering, blocked nose, red eyes, coughing, spluttering, wheezing, but if they're an American don't be surprised if they tell you 'I'm doing okay' or 'I'm doing good.'

I'm exaggerating here somewhat and not being entirely serious but it's something which I admit fascinates me. But after years spent working with (and sometimes living with) expat Americans I don't believe Americans avoid talking about problems or things that bother them any more than anyone else I mean, after all, if you can't complain and share your troubles with friends who else can you turn to?