[Lottalove]

Most of the time when someone asks me that, I assume it is just a rhetorical question as a form of greeting and they are not really asking for an honest answer. I almost always answer "Fine" and give a greeting in return. That return greeting may or may not include a "how are you?" too.

And, truthfully too, it may be hard to hear, but unless you are a close friend or colleague, I don't really want the long answer either. That may make me a jerk but we all know we have limited time at school and time is money. I am choosy as to how I spend that time. My goal is to bring home as little work as possible.

I am sorry that your feelings were hurt but you might reconsider how you see (or how she might see) the question.