When someone asks "how are you," the intent behind the question can vary depending on the context, cultural norms, and the relationship between the individuals involved. In many cases, it is a common greeting and a form of social courtesy rather than a genuine inquiry about the person's well-being. People often use it as a way to acknowledge each other and start a conversation in a polite manner.
In some cultures, it is customary to ask "how are you" as a standard greeting, and the expected response is a simple acknowledgment like "I'm fine, thank you" or "I'm good." In such cases, the question is not meant to initiate a deep discussion about one's emotional state or well-being.
However, in certain situations or with people who genuinely care about you, the question might be more sincere, and they may be interested in knowing how you genuinely feel or what you've been up to. It all depends on the context and the individual's intentions.
If you feel comfortable sharing more about how you truly are, you can go ahead and give a more honest response. But if you sense that it's just a standard greeting and the person isn't expecting an in-depth answer, a simple "I'm fine, thank you" or a similar response should suffice.
In summary, while "how are you" is often used as a form of greeting and may not always indicate genuine concern, there are instances where the person asking might truly want to know how you are doing. Pay attention to the context and your relationship with the person to gauge their level of interest in your response.