How are you?

Do you mean it when you ask? There’s a very interesting article on the English language and usage about what does “how are you” mean. The article says in Hebrew it means hello. In Russian, it’s a serious question. How often is it a real question for you?

Harvard Business has an article about stopping asking how people are and offers these tips:

Use the ACT trick. Be authentic (A). Form a connection (C). Pick a topic to share who you are (T).
Move beyond hourly updates meaning talk about something important to you when engaging.
Be in the moment and be observant.
Share something that happened to you.
Talk early.
It’s not just what you say – smile.

I was getting gas on Monday and the young man filling my tank was wearing a very warm hat. The hat was one of those furry ones with ear straps. It’s chillier but not that cold yet. I asked if he was ready for winter. He said his sleeping bag got wet, and he was still really cold.

These moments always stop me. I asked if he had called OHRA for help. He said he checks in every week. He has a full-time job, 6 am to 2 pm, at the gas station and he lives outside. He is trying to get help, and he goes to work every day. I asked if he’d be there tomorrow and drove off.

I called on my friends at Teresa McCormick Center, Rogue Retreat, and Rogue Food Unites to hook him up with better supplies and some food. I swung by the next morning with some of the gear and my friends at Rogue Food Unites finished off with supplies and food. He offered his email to them so I could be in touch. I’ve emailed him.

We can mean it when we ask questions. And we can get help for people who need it. It’s out there. If you try it and someone needs help, call me. Call other agencies. We’re here to help.

Onward,