You’re here because you’re stuck. You want something better than the same old I’m good or Fine, thanks when someone asks How are you?
Whether you’re chatting with a friend, replying in an email, or making a first impression, you know the right words can make a difference.
Here’s the good news: this guide will solve your problem right away.
People ask How are you? all the time. But how you respond depends on the moment. A job interview? You’ll need something polished.
Catching up with a friend? Something playful will do. The secret is knowing what fits where.
Let’s explore how to respond to How are you? in ways that sound natural, professional, witty, or just plain fun.
Formal Ways to Say How to Respond to a Compliment
Need to sound respectful, polite, or well-mannered? These formal phrases are perfect for interviews, ceremonies, or professional introductions.
- I’m doing quite well, thank you
- I’m very well, and I appreciate your asking
- I’m in good health and spirits
- I’m managing just fine, thank you for your concern
- I’m grateful and doing well
- I’m honored by your interest in my well-being
- Thank you for asking, I’m doing well
- I’m feeling positive and productive
- All is well on my end, thank you
- I’m fortunate to be doing well
- Things are going smoothly, thank you
- Life is treating me kindly at the moment
- I’m content and grateful
- I’m maintaining a steady course, thank you
- It’s a pleasure to say I’m doing well
- I’m thankful and in a good place
- I’m doing well and hope the same for you
- I’m blessed with good health and energy
- I’m managing everything responsibly
- I’m navigating things with calm and clarity
- I’m holding up nicely, thank you
- I appreciate your concern; I’m well
- I’m present and fully engaged
- I’m focused and doing fine
- I’m well-supported and positive
- I’m coping gracefully, thank you
- I’m approaching the day with optimism
- I’m in good form, thank you
- I’ve had a good start to the day
- I’m balancing things well
- I’m glad to report that I’m doing well
- I’m maintaining my peace and purpose
- I’m content with where I am right now
Informal Ways to Say How to Respond to a Compliment
Casual chats call for something friendly and laid-back. Whether it’s with your buddy, sibling, or neighbor, these relaxed replies keep the tone easygoing.
- I’m good, thanks for asking
- Doing great, how about you
- Not bad at all
- Pretty chill today
- Can’t complain
- Just taking it easy
- Hanging in there
- Feeling awesome
- Living the dream
- Same old, same old
- I’m alright, thanks
- Better now that you asked
- Just rolling with it
- I’m okay, how are you
- Taking it one day at a time
- Can’t lie, I’m doing alright
- Doing my best
- All good here
- Cruising along
- Not too shabby
- I’m surviving
- Feeling pretty good today
- Just vibing
- Today’s been kind to me
- No major complaints
- Holding it down
- I’m above ground, so I call that a win
- In a good place
- I’m okayish
- Just me being me
- Making it through the day
- Riding the wave
- Catching some peace today
Idiomatic Ways to Say How to Respond to a Compliment
Want to spice things up? Use these idiomatic expressions that carry personality, charm, or humor. Great for close friends or social banter.
- Over the moon
- On top of the world
- Feeling like a million bucks
- Full of beans today
- Right as rain
- Walking on sunshine
- In high spirits
- Cool as a cucumber
- Fit as a fiddle
- Can’t wipe the smile off my face
- Got a spring in my step
- Buzzing with energy
- Bright-eyed and bushy-tailed
- Still kicking
- On cloud nine
- Feeling peachy
- Fresh as a daisy
- All systems go
- Charged up and ready
- In the pink of health
- Happy as a clam
- Raring to go
- Got my groove back
- No complaints from this corner
- Everything’s coming up roses
- Living on the sunny side
- Good vibes only
- Sailing smooth seas
- Dancing through the day
- Grinning from ear to ear
- Light on my feet
- Upbeat and rolling
Professional Ways to Say How to Respond to a Compliment
At work, tone matters. Whether you’re replying in a meeting, over email, or during a client call, these polished responses keep things respectful and clear.
- I’m doing well, thank you for asking
- I’m progressing steadily
- Everything’s going smoothly on my end
- I’m staying productive
- It’s been a busy but rewarding week
- I’m in a good space professionally
- Managing things effectively, thank you
- I’m motivated and focused
- I’m keeping up with my goals
- I’m well-prepared for what’s ahead
- My schedule is full but manageable
- I’m confident about current tasks
- I’m aligned with my team’s goals
- I’m finding success in recent projects
- Staying positive and performance-driven
- Things are moving forward efficiently
- I’m balancing workload and priorities well
- I’m feeling energized about our progress
- I’ve been reflecting and improving daily
- I’m committed and engaged
- I’m handling things with clarity
- I’ve had productive meetings lately
- I’m moving at a steady pace
- I’ve been reaching key milestones
- I’m maintaining momentum
- I’m proud of recent achievements
- I’m feeling professionally fulfilled
- I’m seeing measurable growth
- I’m collaborating well with the team
- I’m delivering results consistently
- I’m confident in my current projects
- I’m feeling supported and capable
- I’m focused on continuous improvement
Conclusion
When someone asks How are you?, don’t settle for the default.
The way you respond says a lot. Whether you’re aiming for charm, honesty, or professionalism, picking the right phrase helps you connect better with others.
So try a few from each section. Mix them up. Match your words to the moment. With over 120 expressions in your pocket, you’ll never be caught off guard again.
Remember: the more you practice these, the more natural they’ll feel. You’ll not only sound good—you’ll feel good doing it.