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I am autistic, which you probably could have just derived from the rest of this comment. Questions like these are so terrifying to me. So I always have a fun fact on hand.
"What's new?"
"I just learned that only female cats have a calico pattern!"
Then you can talk about cats instead of your life.
That's a great idea honestly. I'd love it if more people gave replies like that.
That's quite ingenious actually
Same with tortoiseshell coloring, and orange tabbies are usually male!
That's me too. And personally, I think you're my type of person to talk to.
You're right, that does sound particularly like something an autistic person would say. It's also something I'd be perfectly happy to hear and engage with.
It's not an absolute rule, but it's true in the vast majority of cases. The coloring is on the X chromosome, and males usually have only one, but some males with have an extra X chromosome (XXY) and those can be calico. It's rare.
Something is always happening in your life.
What you really mean is "When you don't think that anyone would be interested in what's happening in your life."
If you've been absorbing media, tell us what you've been watching/reading/playing. If you have this encounter out in public, say where you're going now, or what you're looking forward to doing when that's done.
Hell, even if you've been laying in bed for a week and someone asks, say you've been catching up on some sleep.
There's always something, and as mundane as you think your answer might be, it'll be easier for them to continue the conversation on that one piece of information than saying "you know, same old".
I usually go with "oh, same old same old" or "nothing fun" and try to divert back to something someone else talked about. But to be fair, I am a terrible conversationalist.
It's not a real question that requires an answer. You say 'not much' or 'same old same old' and move on.
Lots of times it is a real question, especially if the other person cares about you at all.
"But I haven't seen you in over a decade!"
I said, SAME. OLD!
If it’s someone I haven’t seen in years, talking about the big picture should be interesting enough. You know, like where I live, what do I do for a living etc.
If it’s someone who definitely knows all that, I can mention something small but recent. Like, I just bought some weird carrot salsa, and it was surprisingly good.
Same shit, bigger pile
I'm partial to "the devil shits on the biggest pile"
If things are really bad it's just "living the dream"
The court order was very clear that I am not allowed to discuss that. How about you? Anything new?
"you know, new day, same old, how about you?" think of it as a game of catch, throw the ball back, if you don't want to / or have a quick answer.
"New toilet paper, same shit" is how an old boss of mine used to say it. Good for if you want to go clever yet crude.
gettin' better at turnin' food to poop, you?
Pretty sure you technically get worse at this as you age
maybe you do, sylv. some of us age like fine manure
"Ah you know, same old."
Usually a brief "I just read/played/watched such-and-such"
If they know it, we can chat about it. If they don't, and they're interested, we can chat about it. Otherwise, the conversation moves on and the social rite is concluded successfully.
"Nothing's new - same old"
Not too much. Just doing the daily.
This is an honest and correct answer if that is your situation. Nothing wrong with that.
Tell them about the wicked fart you released yesterday.
Rectum? Damn near killed 'em!
Nothing much, you?
You know how at times no news are good news, I've only got good news.
"I am unfortunately still here" is my go-to. People seem to leave you alone if you joke about killing yourself.
Things do happen in your life, nobody lives in a vacuum. You are alive and are experiencing things every day including the stuff that's happening to all of us. Recent economic news, political drama, geopolitical events, etc are all fair game
I used to think nothing happened in my life then I started to keep a diary/journal and realized that a ton happens all the time!
Song lyrics are always fun.
"I'm another older and deeper in debt." [16 Tons]
"I'm tired of living and sacred of dying.'" [Old Man River]
"I'm a material girl..." [can't remember the title...]
Living the dream
“Same old same old. You?”
"I'm a normal user of sidewalks."
This reminds me of the time that I learned that the correct answer to "what's up?" is "what's up?" At least in the context of that one coworker who would say that to me as we were walking past each other.
I've since learned to recognize these things as a "bid for connection". It generally has little to do with the content of the question or the answer and everything to do with relating.
So basically there is no wrong answer. And there are lots of good examples in this thread!
Personally I tend to answer "not much" as a knee-jerk reaction, but sometimes I'll remember to say something else after that.
"Livin' the dream."
I take a short breath and pull out my phone.
I notate when I last saw them.
I then pull out my document of every major event that occurred to me from point A to point B.
They look confused.
I comfort them.
I gently remind them that I'm on this ride with them. And if they didn't want to be informed, they shouldnt have asked.
I clear my throat, and start at the top of the list.
I tell the truth. Nothing. I don't care to expend the energy to make up an excuse.
I hate that kind of question, as if you are expected to live in the fast lane, and all sorts of things should have happened.
It's probably not meant that way, but it can feel that way. I'd probably answer something along the lines of: "Nothing dramatic. how about you?"
"Nothing worth mentioning, you?"
You start groping yourself ... touch your chest, your face, your arms, reach around to you back, touch your shoulders
HEY! .... I'M STILL ALIVE!!!
Not much how’bout yoy?
It gets awkward
Not much, you?