It is not anything unusual to come across the question, “how is your day going?” Anybody who wants to know about us would ask this question as a conversation starter or as a common greeting. But do we actually think before answering this question or realize what it exactly means? No, right?
We do not think before answering this question and give some answers randomly when someone asks how’s your day. As a matter of fact, er keep saying the same thing over and over again as an answer to this question. Let’s start by exploring the meaning behind this question and look for some responses along the way.
The Role of Social Bonding & Empathy
The question, “how is your day going?” is basically a gesture for social bonding and expression of empathy. It portrays that the person asking the question is willing to engage with the other person, acknowledging the experience and presence.
Emotional Connections
When you ask someone about their day, you initiate an emotional exchange. This can improve your bond with the other person. More so, if you have a close relationship with that person and this way you can share your personal experiences.
Contextual Sensitivity
The interpretation and expectation of the response vary significantly based on the context. It could be at work, or with friends, or during a casual encounter. When you understand this, it helps you shape the response to fit the situation.
Expectations & Social Norms
In various cultures, asking this question is part of their standard social etiquette. This portrays interest and politeness in the well-being of the other person.
What does the question “how is your day going” mean?
We often come across the question how is your day going or how was your day. This is basically a way of making small talk. This is also a conversation starter that most people use. But what can it actually mean?
- “How is your day going so far or how’s your day going so far?” – By this, a person is looking for answers to know what happened this far in your day, if anything interesting has happened, or if it is just a regular ordinary day.
- “Overall, how has your day been?” – By this, a person is asking about your whole day, by which that person is asking about all the good moments as well as the bad moments.
- “How is your day going compares to yesterday?” – this question is comparing your other days to the present day and looking for answers to how things are going lately.
How to respond to the question, “how is your day going?”
Now that we have found out the meaning of the question, it is time to look for the possible answers to the question. Generally, there are plenty of possible answers, and we will be going through a few of those, but sometimes adding a ‘yours’ or “what about you?” can turn the table, and it is also a polite way to take the conversation forward.
If the person is not so close, you can give a short answer and ask them about their day; if you are not willing to talk about your day with them, just be polite and give a short answer to end the conversation. And if you know the person well, the response can be a bit longer; if you are actually willing to talk to them about your day.
Different types of Responses and follow ups to How is your Day going
Before we move on to the list of responses for ‘how is your day going’, lets have a look at the different types of responses to this question. These are –
Professional Response
When you are in a professional setting, you have to balance your response to “how is your day going?” with professionalism and positivity. This is your chance to show your work achievements and ethics without getting personal.
This helps maintain a positive environment at your workplace, encourages collegiality, and provides you with networking opportunities. Your response should have a proactive and productive attitude and invite your colleagues to share their experience as well.
Neutral Answers
In some situations, a neutral answer might be the best. For instance, if it is your first week at your new job and a co-worker asks you that ‘how is your day going?’, then you might prefer to give them a neutral answer such as – ‘It is good. Thank You.’ Neutral answers are best for formal situations as it enables you to answer the question in a polite manner without giving too much away.
‘Tiring but Exciting’ response
If you want to convey that you had a interesting day which has also left you feeling exhausted, then you might want to take the ‘tiring but exciting’ approach. This type of response will enable you to share your exact feelings and experiences easily. This type of response should generally be used with friends, family and partner – people you are close to.
‘Nice of you to ask’ response
People usually ask the question ‘how is it going’ out of politeness or out of concern. If you think that the other person is asking the question out of concern, and you want to show your appreciation for the same, then you can use the ‘nice of you to ask’ response.
Responses For “How Is Your Day Going?”
There are many ways in which you can respond, like in a serious way, a fun way, or even in a sarcastic way.
1. It Has Been Great. How About You?
This is something you say when you have had a great day, and let the other person know about the amazing day, and don’t forget to ask them back how their day went. This isn’t just a great way to get the conversation going, but it shows that you also want to know about them. You can say things like this.
- Great! What about you?
- It couldn’t be any better! How about you?
- It’s been amazing! Yours?
2. Chilling At Home, So Not Too Bad
Tell them what you have been doing with the reply. It doesn’t matter if you just lied on the couch all day, let them know that. They are sending you how your day is going text messages, probably because they want to chat with you, so just go with the flow. You can say
- Had an amazing lunch, so it was good.
- Finished an amazing book. It has been a good day.
- Just got home from a trip. How about you?
3. Really Well! Thank You For Asking
This is a very positive and polite reply that you can send your close one. Not everybody checks in on you, so it is good to thank them for showing concern. A smile can go a long way, so send them a virtual smile along with your answer, and if you want, ask about them in return.
- It is very sweet of you to ask, I had a great day. How was yours?
- It was not a great day. Thank you for asking, though. How was your day?
- Can’t complain. But thanks for checking in.
4. Good. How Was Yours?
Well, this response is for those people who are not very close to you. This is for those times when you don’t want to get into a personal conversation. This is a very generic response, and ask them how their day has been. Try to continue the conversation if you want to know them better.
- It was actually good. How about you?
- Not too bad. How about you?
- It has been great! How are you doing?
5. It Was Pretty Good. You Won’t Believe What Happened Today.
This is for those people who you know very well. This can mean two different things. If you are actually interested in talking to them, then pour your heart out, and if you do not want to get into the conversation, divert it in some other direction.
- Guess what? Started the new series you recommended.
- It has been pretty good. You won’t believe what happened in the meeting today.
- It was a good day. I have been doing the Harry Potter marathon.
Let’s See How To Respond To How Was Your Day With Some More Examples.
- I have been better.
- It has been a mixture, all things considered.
- It has been a very busy day. What did you do?
- Honestly, it is better than I expected.
- It was an eventful day.
- Nothing special
- As usual
- It was not good, I don’t want to talk about it.
Some more ways to respond to how is your day going (Bonus Section)
If you are bored of always responding to the question of ‘how is your day going’ with boring answers like ‘It was good.’ and ‘As usual’, then here are some creative responses that you can consider.
- Interesting…to say the least. What about you?
- I made time for fun today – it felt great!
- My patience got tested today!
- It was great! I can’t wait to tell you all about it.
- Today wasn’t my best day – but I’m here now, so things are looking up!
- It was a day full of drama, but I know how to handle it like a pro.
- It was a day filled with all sorts of shenanigans, but I managed to make it out alive.
- I had a very interesting day, meeting new people and experiencing new things. It was a bit of a whirlwind, but I always enjoy a good challenge.
What are some sarcastic responses to “how is your day going?”
Here are some sarcastic responses to “How is your day going?” depending on the level of sarcasm you want to convey:
Mild Sarcasm:
Living the dream! (This implies the opposite, that your day is boring or mundane.)
It’s been a real rollercoaster…of mediocrity. (A slight exaggeration highlighting the uneventfulness of your day.)
Can’t complain…much. (Suggests there are things to complain about, but you’re trying to be positive.)
Just another day in paradise… (said through gritted teeth). (A classic sarcastic twist on a positive cliche.)
More Intense Sarcasm:
Oh, you know, just dodging flaming arrows and fighting off ravenous squirrels. (A humorous exaggeration of everyday challenges.)
It’s going about as well as a broken compass. (A metaphor for a completely messed up day.)
If I had a nickel for every time things went wrong today, I’d be rich! (Implies a series of unfortunate events.)
Is this a trick question? Because it feels like everything is trying to kill me. (A dramatic overstatement for a bad day.)
Deadpan Sarcasm:
Thrilling. (One-word response with a flat delivery.)
Peachy. (Another one-word response, implying things are not actually peachy.)
Can’t wait for it to be over. (Expresses boredom or longing for the day to end.)
You tell me. (Places the burden of explanation back on the person who asked.)
What are some funny responses to “how is your day going?”
Here are some funny responses to “How’s your day going?” that are lighthearted and playful:
Pop Culture References:
It’s going about as well as a Tuesday on a Monday. (Playful reference to Garfield comics)
Much better now that you’ve spoken to me! (A compliment delivered in a funny way)
Honestly, right now I’m just trying to adult without a meltdown. (Relatable struggle with a humorous twist)
My day is like a box of chocolates…you never know what you’re gonna get! (Humorous reference to Forrest Gump, applies to unpredictable days)
Slightly Absurd Scenarios:
So far, I’ve wrestled a bear, diffused a bomb, and given a motivational speech to a flock of pigeons. Just another Tuesday. (Exaggerated but funny account of a normal day)
Not gonna lie, considering a nap under my desk and claiming it’s a productivity pod. (Relatable struggle with work-life balance)
**If I could bottle my current level of enthusiasm, I’d be a millionaire! (Humorous exaggeration, can be positive or negative depending on delivery)
My spirit animal right now is a sloth on a sugar crash. (Funny comparison to express laziness or low energy)
Self-Deprecating Humor:
It’s going about as smoothly as a baby penguin learning to walk on ice. (Clumsy but funny metaphor)
If I had a dollar for every time I messed up today, I’d have enough money to leave and never come back! (Lighthearted way to acknowledge mistakes)
My brain is officially on vacation, but unfortunately, I’m still here. (Humorous way to express feeling out of it)
Right now, I’m questioning all my life choices, but other than that, pretty good! (Relatable self-doubt delivered in a funny way)
Bottom line
The next time someone asks you how is your day going, you will know what to tell them ad how to tell them. Reply to them according to your convenience, but remember it takes nothing to be polite to a person, and it is always okay to send a smile along with your text. Let them know that you appreciate their concern.
Additional Reading:
- Speech About Life: Inspirational Speeches to Live By
- Anyone Has Or Have – When To Use ‘Has’ And ‘Have’?
- Indubitably: A Closer Look at its Definition and Its Synonyms
