What is that one question that you absolutely adore? What about it is so alluring? What is that one question that you wish people would ask you? Do you have a favorite answer to your favorite question? And, lastly, why?
After recovering from depression and being in a much better place that I used to be, I started asking people how they are. I do it every day, and I mean it. Mostly don't get a response, or get a 'good'. However, every once in a while, especially on chat, someone will say how they really are, and I'll be glad I asked. Also, you mentioned that you are okay but if you're not, you can always PM me too. :)
Interesting side-note, if you ask a person with asperger's or related, "How are you?" it can freeze their brain. Because literally, semantics, to that person the question is imprecise, vague, could be asking about philosophy, biology, existentialism, existence in time, how you came to be... This is why people with asperger's/autism frequently look blankly at you when asked a "simple" question. =)
I find myself sometimes wishing people will ask if I'm okay, but when it happens I always freak out and say, "I'm fine, I'm just tired." So far no one's realized that "I'm tired" means "I'm freaking out and I need a hug", but I can hardly blame them for it.
I'm doing better. Day by day can be hard, but overall things are okay. Thank you. And luckily I do have someone to hug me when I need.
Hey, man, are you okay? You can always PM me if you wanna talk about anything.
See, when I do it, it's genuine but, "alright?" is used so frequently as a greeting here in the UK that the vast majority of the time, the person asking it doesn't really give a shit. It's sad because there are so many ways to improve a person's day just by giving a few moments just listening to their response. I used to long for people to ask me, and when they did I'd say I was fine when I wasn't because I suspected they didn't care. No I am fine and when I ask, it's because I care. There are customers in the store I work at who will now just wander round chatting to me while I work and they leave with a smile (and I smile too) just because I'm willing to listen to them.
Aside from gravity, what invisible forces affect your life? Do you think we have any real choices? What do you know for certain? Why do you believe what you believe? Edit I just reread the original post. 1. My favourite question is actually "What do you know for certain?" 2. It is alluring because it asks myself and others to challenge their beliefs. Whatever we say we are sure of invites the next question, which is "Why are you so sure?" 3. The one question that I wish people would ask me and very rarely do is the next question -- the follow-up questions that shows they actually heard my answer to the first question and are willing to look at my answer with interest and an open heart. 4. My favourite answer to my favourite question is "I am only certain of things in proportion to the evidence available." 5. Why is that my favourite answer? It seems the most grounded and least magical. Thanks thenewgreen for the endorsement and the shoutout.What is that one question that you absolutely adore? What about it is so alluring? What is that one question that you wish people would ask you? Do you have a favorite answer to your favorite question? And, lastly, why?
"How are you?" -When asked by a. close friend. lil has built a wonderful blog appropriately called, "Lil's Book of Questions," which I would recommend checking out.
Why? I love when kids ask me that and used to have hours long discussions with my boy because of it. It's the greatest question in the world because there's no explanation you won't uncover with a well placed, "why?"
My favourite question is definitely about where we are are on the determinism/free will spectrum. My working answer is that repetition and lack of self-awareness reduces the plasticity of our minds, resulting in an increase of determinism. That is, we lock ourselves into certain behaviours, reducing our own free will. This is why meditation, reflection, philosophy, literature, and certain social sciences can lead to increased plasticity through self-awareness and presence.
And I think though we are loath to admit it, we are pushed around by subrational processes and drives more often that we realize.
Certainly. To understand those processes - or, at least, the way they can affect us - is therefore one of the most important things a person can do for their happier existence. The presence of the background processes in our mind does not invalidate making a choice, either. Our mind is a powerful tool, and it's important to make use of it since we're already having a choice.
"Are you gay?" or "I hope I'm not going to offend you, but..." I love talking about sexuality and my experiences, and hearing about other people's reality and way of thinking, their opinions and feelings - but I only like all this when the people are open to discussion and or interested - so I never bring any of it up. It's both my favourite, and I wish people would ask it more. Fav answer (that I give, since I don't generally ask other people) - "yeah, I'm a flaming homo" (though I usually say something boring like.. 'yes.') - and - "Sure, no worries, ask or say anything ~ " Why - because it informs and opens up to interesting things, anthropological studies, and sharing - perhaps educating and enlightening.
Is it? Wonderful! I didn't know that. I would never imagine Finns having such a word. I can't seem to find its meaning or translation, though. Can you tell me what it means? Yes, your nickname was the reason I was wondering. Hubski seems to have a much broader roster of people from Russia or those appreciating Russian language or culture. It makes me both glad and confused.
What are you writing about? It is probably my favorite question for the wrong reasons. I'm a writer, but before I wrote I was a bit of a story teller. I could pretty much off the top of my head give you the basic premise for a short story or something like that. When I write in public it is usually something new, and I always like people taking an interest in the story I'm going to tell. My answer is usually a short synopsis, followed by asking them if they could edit it after I'm done.
Tell me about the future? It's open ended, can be interpreted as Tell me about your future, your hopes and dreams and plans and fears, etc. Plus you never know when you're talking to a time traveler ;-) Also, when talking to customer support and they ask at the end if there's anything else they can help me with, Can you tell me next week's winning lottery numbers?
"Would you like that lotto payout in a lump sum, or annual payments?"
How? It's the central question for growing and learning about the world around you. It's the most fundamental and necessary question for survival, and perhaps for enjoyment in life as well. As far as a question I'd wish others to ask me, I suppose a sincere "How are you?" is most often best. Since its the manifestation of one creature showing consideration for another, I think it's hard to top. The answer to my favorite question is, of course, different almost every time. Another reason why it's so great :) Edit: Also, your question is a pretty great question.
"What are your thoughts on time travel?" Because if they asked me, or if I asked them, and they can participate in a conversation about time travel with some degree of interest, then I know it's someone I'll likely have an easier time having a conversation with.