ChatterBank1 min ago
What To Say Instead Of "how Are You?"
9 Answers
My best friend's husband is terminally ill and two days ago has been given just months to live.
When I call her, I do so on her land line as the mobile signal in her village is bad.
I want to call her but am at a loss as to what to say now should her husband answer the phone.
I can't say 'How are you?' as it would just seem so wrong and pretty ridiculous.
I don't want to say something so shallow.
I don't even know what to say after 'Hello' as I have never been in this situation before and don't want to say the wrong thing.
Advice would be most welcome.
When I call her, I do so on her land line as the mobile signal in her village is bad.
I want to call her but am at a loss as to what to say now should her husband answer the phone.
I can't say 'How are you?' as it would just seem so wrong and pretty ridiculous.
I don't want to say something so shallow.
I don't even know what to say after 'Hello' as I have never been in this situation before and don't want to say the wrong thing.
Advice would be most welcome.
Answers
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After giving your commiserations about his health you could ask him how your friend is coping and if there is anything you can do to help either of them. He'll be worrying very much about his wife and might be glad to chat about that side of things.
If you have happy, shared memories you could say something reminded you of that time and reminisce.
If he has a particular skill or area of knowledge you could ask his advice - my fuchsia is being eaten by the slugs. Any tips?
That's assuming he was always a friendly, outgoing sort of person who enjoys a chat.
If he isn't, just say how sorry you are to hear his bad news and ask to speak to your friend.
After giving your commiserations about his health you could ask him how your friend is coping and if there is anything you can do to help either of them. He'll be worrying very much about his wife and might be glad to chat about that side of things.
If you have happy, shared memories you could say something reminded you of that time and reminisce.
If he has a particular skill or area of knowledge you could ask his advice - my fuchsia is being eaten by the slugs. Any tips?
That's assuming he was always a friendly, outgoing sort of person who enjoys a chat.
If he isn't, just say how sorry you are to hear his bad news and ask to speak to your friend.