That is how you should always interpret the "how are you?" question. Don't just say "I'm fine" - talk about what you did today, what you're going to do tonight, or tomorrow, or in the weekend. That's usually a good jumping off point to talk about some other topics.
Also: https://stuffwhitepeoplelike.com/2008/03/18/88-dinner-partie...
Except when "how are you?" just means "hi".
Re:The art of the dinner party
by mentalpiracy on Monday November 13, 2017 @09:50AM
(#15686836)
I really like this twist, I'm going to start using it myself. Thanks!
What excellent advice! My go-to line has been "what's been keeping you busy lately" which is a polite form of asking what someone "does" without making them them I only care what job they have.