Responding to “How’s it going?” can be an opportunity to add some personality to your conversations.
Whether you’re feeling great or just want to share a bit of humor, here are 30 creative ways to reply to this common question.
1. “It’s going well, thanks! How about you?”
A standard response that acknowledges the question and returns it. I’ve used this when I want to keep the conversation balanced.
When to use: When you want a straightforward exchange.
When not to use: If you’re feeling unwell or don’t want to engage deeply.
Example:
“It’s going well, thanks! How about you?”
2. “Can’t complain, and you?”
A casual way to indicate that things are fine while returning the question. I’ve used this for a relaxed conversation.
When to use: When you want a casual and easygoing reply.
When not to use: If you want to give a more detailed or serious response.
Example:
“Can’t complain, and you?”
3. “Things are going great! What’s new with you?”
An enthusiastic way to indicate that things are going well and show interest in the other person. I’ve used this to brighten up the conversation.
When to use: When you’re in a positive mood and want to engage.
When not to use: If you’re not feeling well or don’t want to share too much.
Example:
“Things are going great! What’s new with you?”
4. “I’m doing just fine, thanks. How’s everything with you?”
A polite and neutral way to respond and inquire about the other person. I’ve used this to maintain a courteous conversation.
When to use: When you want a polite exchange.
When not to use: If you prefer a more informal or humorous reply.
Example:
“I’m doing just fine, thanks. How’s everything with you?”
5. “Pretty good, just keeping busy. How about yourself?”
A response that indicates you’re occupied but well. I’ve used this when I want to share a bit about my busyness.
When to use: When you want to mention being busy but still doing well.
When not to use: If you’re feeling overwhelmed and want to keep it brief.
Example:
“Pretty good, just keeping busy. How about yourself?”
6. “Everything’s good here. What’s the latest with you?”
A simple response that indicates everything is fine and asks about the other person. I’ve used this to keep the conversation flowing.
When to use: When you want a straightforward exchange.
When not to use: If you’re not interested in hearing details from the other person.
Example:
“Everything’s good here. What’s the latest with you?”
7. “Just taking it one day at a time. How’s your day going?”
A reflective response indicating you’re handling things gradually. I’ve used this to share a bit more about my approach to life.
When to use: When you want to express a thoughtful approach.
When not to use: If you want a more energetic or casual reply.
Example:
“Just taking it one day at a time. How’s your day going?”
8. “Feeling fantastic! What about you?”
An upbeat response showing that you’re in high spirits. I’ve used this to spread positivity.
When to use: When you’re feeling great and want to share that positivity.
When not to use: If you’re not in a good mood.
Example:
“Feeling fantastic! What about you?”
9. “I’m good, just catching up on some work. How’s it going on your end?”
A way to indicate you’re focused on work but still engaging in conversation. I’ve used this to share a bit about my current focus.
When to use: When you’re working but still want to chat.
When not to use: If you don’t want to talk about work.
Example:
“I’m good, just catching up on some work. How’s it going on your end?”
10. “Not too bad, just the usual. What’s new with you?”
A casual way to indicate that things are steady and ask for updates. I’ve used this to keep the conversation casual.
When to use: When you want a relaxed exchange.
When not to use: If you’re feeling exceptional or need to discuss something serious.
Example:
“Not too bad, just the usual. What’s new with you?”
11. “Everything’s on track. How are things with you?”
A response showing that everything is progressing as expected. I’ve used this when I want to give a status update.
When to use: When you want to indicate that things are going smoothly.
When not to use: If you want to convey a different tone.
Example:
“Everything’s on track. How are things with you?”
12. “I’m doing well, thanks for asking. How’s your week been?”
A polite response with an added question about the other person’s week. I’ve used this to extend the conversation.
When to use: When you want to be polite and inquire about the other person’s week.
When not to use: If you prefer a more casual or brief reply.
Example:
“I’m doing well, thanks for asking. How’s your week been?”
13. “Going well, just enjoying the day. What about you?”
A response indicating a good day and showing interest in the other person’s situation. I’ve used this to keep the tone light and positive.
When to use: When you’re having a good day and want to engage.
When not to use: If you’re not feeling positive or want to keep it short.
Example:
“Going well, just enjoying the day. What about you?”
14. “I’m alright, just managing a few things. How’s everything on your end?”
A response indicating that you’re handling tasks and checking in on the other person. I’ve used this to show that I’m busy but still interested in their well-being.
When to use: When you’re busy but still want to ask about the other person.
When not to use: If you’re not comfortable discussing your busyness.
Example:
“I’m alright, just managing a few things. How’s everything on your end?”
15. “Everything’s good here, thanks for asking. How’s your day going?”
A straightforward and polite response with a follow-up question. I’ve used this to maintain a balanced conversation.
When to use: When you want to be polite and reciprocal.
When not to use: If you want to share more personal details.
Example:
“Everything’s good here, thanks for asking. How’s your day going?”
16. “I’m doing well, just keeping busy. What’s up with you?”
A response indicating that you’re busy but still engaged. I’ve used this to convey that you’re active and interested.
When to use: When you’re busy and want to keep the conversation light.
When not to use: If you’re feeling overwhelmed and don’t want to talk.
Example:
“I’m doing well, just keeping busy. What’s up with you?”
17. “All good here, how’s everything with you?”
A simple response that indicates everything is fine and asks about the other person. I’ve used this to keep things straightforward.
When to use: When you want to be direct and polite.
When not to use: If you need to discuss more personal matters.
Example:
“All good here, how’s everything with you?”
18. “Everything’s going smoothly. What’s new with you?”
A response showing that things are progressing well and seeking updates. I’ve used this to maintain a smooth conversation.
When to use: When you want to provide a status update and inquire about the other person.
When not to use: If you’re not interested in hearing about the other person’s news.
Example:
“Everything’s going smoothly. What’s new with you?”
19. “I’m doing fine, thanks for asking. How’s your week treating you?”
A polite way to respond and ask about the other person’s week. I’ve used this to be courteous and engaging.
When to use: When you want to be polite and inquire about their week.
When not to use: If you prefer to keep the conversation more casual.
Example:
“I’m doing fine, thanks for asking. How’s your week treating you?”
20. “Feeling good, just taking it easy. What’s up with you?”
A response that indicates you’re relaxed and checks in on the other person. I’ve used this to convey a laid-back attitude.
When to use: When you’re relaxed and want to keep things easygoing.
When not to use: If you’re busy or feeling stressed.
Example:
“Feeling good, just taking it easy. What’s up with you?”
21. “I’m well, just working through some tasks. How about you?”
A response indicating that you’re handling work and asking about the other person. I’ve used this to share that you’re busy but still interested.
When to use: When you want to talk about your work and inquire about them.
When not to use: If you’re not in the mood for a detailed exchange.
Example:
“I’m well, just working through some tasks. How about you?”
22. “Everything’s great, thanks! What’s new in your world?”
An enthusiastic response with a follow-up question. I’ve used this to show eagerness and keep the conversation going.
When to use: When you’re feeling positive and want to hear about their news.
When not to use: If you’re not feeling upbeat.
Example:
“Everything’s great, thanks! What’s new in your world?”
23. “I’m good, just enjoying a quiet day. How’s your day been?”
A response indicating that you’re having a peaceful day and asking about theirs. I’ve used this to share a calm experience.
When to use: When you’re enjoying a quiet day and want to know about theirs.
When not to use: If you’re in a busy or hectic situation.
Example:
“I’m good, just enjoying a quiet day. How’s your day been?”
24. “Things are pretty good. What’s been happening with you lately?”
A straightforward response that also seeks updates on the other person. I’ve used this to keep the conversation balanced.
When to use: When you want to give a brief update and ask for theirs.
When not to use: If you want a more detailed or personal exchange.
Example:
“Things are pretty good. What’s been happening with you lately?”
25. “I’m doing alright, just keeping up with things. How are you doing?”
A response indicating that you’re managing your tasks and checking in on the other person. I’ve used this to show that you’re active but still engaged.
When to use: When you’re managing tasks and want to ask about them.
When not to use: If you prefer a more relaxed or casual conversation.
Example:
“I’m doing alright, just keeping up with things. How are you doing?”
26. “All good on my end! What’s going on with you?”
A simple and upbeat response that asks for their updates. I’ve used this to maintain a positive and interactive conversation.
When to use: When you want to be cheerful and ask about them.
When not to use: If you’re feeling down and want to keep it brief.
Example:
“All good on my end! What’s going on with you?”
27. “I’m doing well, thanks for asking. How’s life treating you?”
A polite response with a follow-up question about their life. I’ve used this to show interest in their overall well-being.
When to use: When you want to be polite and inquire about their life.
When not to use: If you prefer a more casual or informal response.
Example:
“I’m doing well, thanks for asking. How’s life treating you?”
28. “I’m having a good day. How’s everything going with you?”
A positive response indicating that you’re having a good day and checking in on them. I’ve used this to keep the mood upbeat.
When to use: When you’re in a good mood and want to hear about them.
When not to use: If you’re not feeling well.
Example:
“I’m having a good day. How’s everything going with you?”
29. “Things are looking up! What’s new on your end?”
An optimistic response showing that things are improving and asking for their news. I’ve used this to share positivity.
When to use: When you’re feeling optimistic and want to ask about their updates.
When not to use: If you’re experiencing difficulties.
Example:
“Things are looking up! What’s new on your end?”
30. “I’m doing fine, just handling some tasks. How’s your day treating you?”
A response indicating that you’re managing tasks and checking in on their day. I’ve used this to balance sharing and asking.
When to use: When you’re occupied but still want to engage.
When not to use: If you want to share more about your current state.
Example:
“I’m doing fine, just handling some tasks. How’s your day treating you?”
Top 10 Editor’s Choice Responses
- “It’s going well, thanks! How about you?”
- “Can’t complain, and you?”
- “Things are going great! What’s new with you?”
- “I’m doing just fine, thanks. How’s everything with you?”
- “Pretty good, just keeping busy. How about yourself?”
- “Everything’s good here. What’s the latest with you?”
- “Just taking it one day at a time. How’s your day going?”
- “Feeling fantastic! What about you?”
- “I’m good, just catching up on some work. How’s it going on your end?”
- “Not too bad, just the usual. What’s new with you?”
