We all get asked this question at some point, whether it’s from a friend, family member, or colleague.
It can be a casual inquiry or a deeper conversation starter. Your response can vary depending on your relationship with the person and the context of the question.
Here are 30 ways to respond, with examples and tips on when and when not to use each reply.
How to Respond to “What Are You Thinking About?”
1. “Just thinking about the day ahead.”
- Story: I was chatting with a coworker who asked what I was thinking. I responded with, “Just thinking about the day ahead.” It was a straightforward answer that kept things casual.
- When to use: When you’re reflecting on your plans or schedule.
- When not to use: If you want to share something more personal or detailed.
Example:
Person: “What are you thinking about?”
You: “Just thinking about the day ahead.”
2. “Oh, just daydreaming a bit.”
- Story: A friend asked me what I was thinking, and I replied, “Oh, just daydreaming a bit.” It was an easygoing way to acknowledge my wandering thoughts.
- When to use: When you’re lost in thought but don’t have anything specific to share.
- When not to use: If the person is looking for a more concrete answer.
Example:
Person: “What are you thinking about?”
You: “Oh, just daydreaming a bit.”
3. “I’m thinking about our upcoming trip.”
- Story: While planning a vacation, my friend asked what was on my mind. I said, “I’m thinking about our upcoming trip.” It shared my excitement and gave a clear answer.
- When to use: When you’re focused on a future event or plan.
- When not to use: If the person is expecting a more general or neutral response.
Example:
Person: “What are you thinking about?”
You: “I’m thinking about our upcoming trip.”
4. “Just trying to solve a problem.”
- Story: I was working on a project when a colleague asked about my thoughts. I replied, “Just trying to solve a problem.” It showed I was focused and busy.
- When to use: When you’re concentrating on a specific issue or task.
- When not to use: If you want to keep the conversation light and not discuss work-related matters.
Example:
Person: “What are you thinking about?”
You: “Just trying to solve a problem.”
5. “I was just recalling a funny memory.”
- Story: A friend noticed I was lost in thought and asked me about it. I said, “I was just recalling a funny memory.” It was a way to share a bit of joy.
- When to use: When you’re thinking about something pleasant or humorous.
- When not to use: If the context requires a more serious or thoughtful response.
Example:
Person: “What are you thinking about?”
You: “I was just recalling a funny memory.”
6. “I’m just contemplating my next steps.”
- Story: During a career discussion, someone asked what was on my mind. I replied, “I’m just contemplating my next steps.” It showed I was thoughtful and planning.
- When to use: When you’re considering important decisions or future actions.
- When not to use: If you want to keep the conversation casual and avoid discussing personal plans.
Example:
Person: “What are you thinking about?”
You: “I’m just contemplating my next steps.”
7. “Just wondering about something I read earlier.”
- Story: I had read an interesting article, and when asked what I was thinking, I said, “Just wondering about something I read earlier.” It indicated curiosity and engagement.
- When to use: When your thoughts are focused on new information or something you learned.
- When not to use: If the person prefers a more straightforward or personal answer.
Example:
Person: “What are you thinking about?”
You: “Just wondering about something I read earlier.”
8. “I’m lost in thought about a project.”
- Story: While working on a creative project, someone asked about my thoughts. I said, “I’m lost in thought about a project.” It conveyed focus and dedication.
- When to use: When you’re deeply engaged in work or a creative endeavor.
- When not to use: If you want to avoid discussing work-related topics.
Example:
Person: “What are you thinking about?”
You: “I’m lost in thought about a project.”
9. “I’m considering some weekend plans.”
- Story: I was planning my weekend when a friend asked what I was thinking. I replied, “I’m considering some weekend plans.” It shared my excitement for the days off.
- When to use: When you’re planning leisure activities or personal time.
- When not to use: If the person wants to discuss something more immediate or urgent.
Example:
Person: “What are you thinking about?”
You: “I’m considering some weekend plans.”
10. “I was just thinking about how to improve something.”
- Story: I was brainstorming ways to improve a process when asked about my thoughts. I said, “I was just thinking about how to improve something.” It showed I was problem-solving.
- When to use: When you’re focused on finding solutions or making improvements.
- When not to use: If you prefer to keep the conversation light or casual.
Example:
Person: “What are you thinking about?”
You: “I was just thinking about how to improve something.”
11. “I’m reflecting on a recent conversation.”
- Story: After a deep conversation with a friend, someone asked what I was thinking. I replied, “I’m reflecting on a recent conversation.” It indicated that I was processing thoughts.
- When to use: When you’re thinking about something you recently discussed or learned.
- When not to use: If you don’t want to delve into past conversations or discussions.
Example:
Person: “What are you thinking about?”
You: “I’m reflecting on a recent conversation.”
12. “I’m just thinking about a new idea I had.”
- Story: I had a creative idea pop into my head, and when asked, I said, “I’m just thinking about a new idea I had.” It shared my excitement about a new concept.
- When to use: When you’re focused on a fresh idea or inspiration.
- When not to use: If you want to avoid discussing work or personal projects.
Example:
Person: “What are you thinking about?”
You: “I’m just thinking about a new idea I had.”
13. “I’m considering a few options for dinner.”
- Story: I was trying to decide what to cook for dinner when someone asked what was on my mind. I said, “I’m considering a few options for dinner.” It was a simple and relatable thought.
- When to use: When you’re thinking about everyday decisions or plans.
- When not to use: If you’re in a serious or professional setting where the response should be more focused.
Example:
Person: “What are you thinking about?”
You: “I’m considering a few options for dinner.”
14. “Just mulling over some life choices.”
- Story: I was pondering some big decisions when someone asked about my thoughts. I replied, “Just mulling over some life choices.” It conveyed that I was deep in thought.
- When to use: When you’re reflecting on significant decisions or personal matters.
- When not to use: If you want to keep the conversation light or avoid discussing personal issues.
Example:
Person: “What are you thinking about?”
You: “Just mulling over some life choices.”
15. “I’m just enjoying a moment of peace.”
- Story: After a hectic day, I was savoring a quiet moment when asked what I was thinking. I said, “I’m just enjoying a moment of peace.” It shared my appreciation for calm.
- When to use: When you’re taking a break and enjoying some tranquility.
- When not to use: If the context requires a more active or engaging response.
Example:
Person: “What are you thinking about?”
You: “I’m just enjoying a moment of peace.”
16. “I was just brainstorming some new ideas.”
- Story: I was coming up with new strategies for a project when someone asked about my thoughts. I said, “I was just brainstorming some new ideas.” It showed that I was being creative.
- When to use: When you’re engaged in creative or strategic thinking.
- When not to use: If you want to keep the conversation casual or unrelated to work.
Example:
Person: “What are you thinking about?”
You: “I was just brainstorming some new ideas.”
17. “I’m considering how to tackle a challenge.”
- Story: While facing a difficult task, someone asked what was on my mind. I replied, “I’m considering how to tackle a challenge.” It conveyed my focus and problem-solving approach.
- When to use: When you’re thinking about overcoming obstacles or challenges.
- When not to use: If you want to avoid discussing work-related or stressful matters.
Example:
Person: “What are you thinking about?”
You: “I’m considering how to tackle a challenge.”
18. “I’m just planning my week.”
- Story: I was organizing my schedule for the week when asked what I was thinking. I said, “I’m just planning my week.” It shared my focus on getting organized.
- When to use: When you’re thinking about your schedule or upcoming events.
- When not to use: If the person prefers a more immediate or personal response.
Example:
Person: “What are you thinking about?”
You: “I’m just planning my week.”
19. “I’m reminiscing about a recent experience.”
- Story: After a memorable event, I was reflecting on it when someone asked about my thoughts. I replied, “I’m reminiscing about a recent experience.” It showed that I was enjoying the memory.
- When to use: When you’re thinking about a recent event or experience that was significant.
- When not to use: If you need to shift focus away from personal memories.
Example:
Person: “What are you thinking about?”
You: “I’m reminiscing about a recent experience.”
20. “I’m trying to figure out my next move.”
- Story: While strategizing my next steps in a project, someone asked what I was thinking. I said, “I’m trying to figure out my next move.” It showed my focus on planning.
- When to use: When you’re planning your actions or decisions.
- When not to use: If the person wants a more relaxed or informal answer.
Example:
Person: “What are you thinking about?”
You: “I’m trying to figure out my next move.”
21. “I’m thinking about a recent conversation we had.”
- Story: After discussing a topic with someone, they asked what I was thinking. I said, “I’m thinking about a recent conversation we had.” It showed that I was reflecting on our discussion.
- When to use: When you’re processing or considering something recently discussed.
- When not to use: If you’re in a situation where a more immediate response is needed.
Example:
Person: “What are you thinking about?”
You: “I’m thinking about a recent conversation we had.”
22. “I’m just lost in thought about a book I’m reading.”
- Story: While reading an engaging book, someone asked what was on my mind. I replied, “I’m just lost in thought about a book I’m reading.” It conveyed my immersion in reading.
- When to use: When you’re engrossed in a book or piece of media.
- When not to use: If the person expects a response related to current activities.
Example:
Person: “What are you thinking about?”
You: “I’m just lost in thought about a book I’m reading.”
23. “I’m reflecting on how to improve a skill.”
- Story: While working on a personal development goal, someone asked about my thoughts. I said, “I’m reflecting on how to improve a skill.” It showed my focus on self-improvement.
- When to use: When you’re considering ways to enhance your abilities or skills.
- When not to use: If you want to keep the conversation light or unrelated to self-improvement.
Example:
Person: “What are you thinking about?”
You: “I’m reflecting on how to improve a skill.”
24. “I’m thinking about how to spend my free time.”
- Story: I was deciding how to enjoy some leisure time when asked what was on my mind. I replied, “I’m thinking about how to spend my free time.” It shared my focus on relaxation.
- When to use: When you’re planning how to use your personal time.
- When not to use: If you need to focus on more pressing or urgent matters.
Example:
Person: “What are you thinking about?”
You: “I’m thinking about how to spend my free time.”
25. “I’m considering what to cook for dinner tonight.”
- Story: While planning my evening meal, someone asked what I was thinking. I said, “I’m considering what to cook for dinner tonight.” It was a practical and relatable thought.
- When to use: When your thoughts are centered on everyday decisions or tasks.
- When not to use: If the context requires a more serious or personal response.
Example:
Person: “What are you thinking about?”
You: “I’m considering what to cook for dinner tonight.”
26. “I’m reflecting on a recent success.”
- Story: After a successful project, someone asked what was on my mind. I replied, “I’m reflecting on a recent success.” It shared my satisfaction and pride.
- When to use: When you’re thinking about achievements or positive outcomes.
- When not to use: If you want to avoid discussing personal accomplishments.
Example:
Person: “What are you thinking about?”
You: “I’m reflecting on a recent success.”
27. “I’m just enjoying the moment.”
- Story: During a peaceful afternoon, someone asked me what I was thinking. I said, “I’m just enjoying the moment.” It reflected my appreciation for the present.
- When to use: When you’re savoring the current experience or situation.
- When not to use: If the person expects a more engaging or detailed response.
Example:
Person: “What are you thinking about?”
You: “I’m just enjoying the moment.”
28. “I’m contemplating a new project idea.”
- Story: While brainstorming new projects, someone asked what was on my mind. I replied, “I’m contemplating a new project idea.” It showed my focus on creativity and planning.
- When to use: When you’re thinking about new initiatives or projects.
- When not to use: If you prefer to keep the conversation less focused on work.
Example:
Person: “What are you thinking about?”
You: “I’m contemplating a new project idea.”
29. “I’m thinking about how to handle a current issue.”
- Story: While dealing with a problem, someone asked me what was on my mind. I replied, “I’m thinking about how to handle a current issue.” It conveyed my focus on problem-solving.
- When to use: When you’re addressing or solving a problem.
- When not to use: If you want to avoid discussing challenges or difficulties.
Example:
Person: “What are you thinking about?”
You: “I’m thinking about how to handle a current issue.”
30. “I’m considering how to improve my daily routine.”
- Story: I was evaluating ways to enhance my daily habits when asked about my thoughts. I said, “I’m considering how to improve my daily routine.” It showed my focus on personal growth.
- When to use: When you’re reflecting on ways to better your daily habits.
- When not to use: If you want a lighter or less introspective response.
Example:
Person: “What are you thinking about?”
You: “I’m considering how to improve my daily routine.”
