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Why Does Everyone Abroad Ask "How Are You?" and Not Wait for an Answer? Small Talk Explained
Tokunbo CentralPosted Oct 24, 2026 · 8 views
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24/10/2026 11:13 am
Topic starter
At home, “how are you?” starts a real conversation. Abroad, people say it walking past and keep going. What is the right way to respond, and how do you get good at small talk at work?
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24/10/2026 11:13 am
Topic starter
Tokunbo Central’s answer: in many countries, “how are you?” or “you alright?” is a greeting, not a question. A short reply is expected.
- Quick replies that work: “Good, thanks, you?” or “Not bad, how about you?” Save the full update for friends.
- Safe small-talk topics: weather, weekend plans, sport, food, holidays and local news. Avoid salary, religion and politics with people you have just met.
- Ask follow-up questions: people abroad warm up when you remember details, like their weekend trip or their child’s name.
- Office kitchen and lunch: joining short chats there is how many people build workplace relationships.
- It gets easier: most newcomers say small talk felt fake at first, then became a useful skill for networking and promotions.
Your turn: what is the funniest small-talk moment you have had since moving abroad?
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