“How are you?” is a common refrain in our social lives. It’s the way many of us open conversation and whether we’re seeking earnest answers or simply offering verbal acknowledgement, its familiarity is safe. But how do we adjust when that safety disintegrates? In a brief and compelling article, Dr. Adam P. Stern addresses his struggle with the question during a cancer diagnosis process. So this week, we welcome Bruce Kohl to explore the phenomena underlying the question and its application. What do we really mean when we ask it? Does it reflect some truth in our society and the depth with which we’re comfortable seeing in one another or ourselves?

Further Reading:

Harvard Health Publishing, “I see you — but don’t ask me how I’m doing”