Someone just asked How have you been? and your mind went blank. You want to say something smooth, not awkward.
You’ve probably typed “how to respond to how have you been” into a search bar, hoping for better options than just “I’m good.” Luckily, you’ve landed in the right place.
Different situations need different replies. A coworker, an old friend, a client, or someone you’re dating — each one might expect a different kind of response.
This article gives you over 120 ways to reply to how have you been, from formal to fun, idiomatic to professional.
Formal Ways to Respond to How Have You Been
Use these in respectful, polite, or official conversations.
- I’ve been doing well, thank you
- I appreciate you asking — I’ve been keeping busy
- All has been well on my end
- Things have been going smoothly, thank you
- I’m doing quite well, and I hope you are too
- I’ve been in good health, thankfully
- Life has been treating me kindly
- I’ve had a productive few weeks
- I’ve been well, and staying focused
- It’s been a busy but fulfilling time
- I’ve had some positive changes lately
- I’m thankful — everything’s going well
- Things have been running smoothly
- I’ve been occupied with work and enjoying it
- It’s been a stable and peaceful time
- I’ve been staying positive and focused
- I’ve had the opportunity to grow professionally
- It’s been a time of learning and progress
- All is well, thank you again for asking
- I’ve been managing things just fine
- I’m doing better each day
- Things have been consistent and steady
- I’ve had a calm and quiet season
- Life has been orderly and good
- I’ve been taking care of myself
- I’m doing as well as can be expected
- I’ve been focused on self-improvement
- Things are well-balanced in my life
- I’ve been working on maintaining peace of mind
- I’ve had a good stretch of days recently
Informal Ways to Respond to How Have You Been
These are perfect for chats with friends, casual texts, or relaxed conversations.
- I’ve been good — how about you?
- Not bad at all, thanks
- Pretty great lately
- I’ve been hanging in there
- Can’t complain
- Things have been chill
- Been doing my thing
- All good on my end
- Just living life
- I’ve been keeping it together
- Same old, same old
- It’s been a mix, but mostly good
- Living the dream, kind of
- Things are looking up
- I’ve been taking it easy
- It’s been an adventure
- I’ve been alright — thanks for asking
- Got my ups and downs, but all good
- Just rolling with it
- I’ve been surviving
- I’ve been out here making it work
- Busy but happy
- I’ve had better weeks, but still going strong
- It’s been a ride
- I’ve been keeping busy
- Been vibing
- Mostly relaxed lately
- Life’s been treating me okay
- Just enjoying the small stuff
- All’s well — how about you?
Idiomatic Ways to Respond to How Have You Been
These expressions add flair and personality to your reply.
- I’ve been on cloud nine
- Just taking life one day at a time
- Riding the wave
- Still kicking
- Alive and thriving
- Keeping my head above water
- It’s been a rollercoaster
- I’ve been burning the candle at both ends
- Like a duck on water — calm on the surface
- Keeping it all together with duct tape and hope
- I’ve been flying under the radar
- Still standing
- Holding down the fort
- Just weathering the storm
- Still in one piece
- Busy as a bee
- Life’s been a bit of a juggling act
- Walking the tightrope, but not falling
- Keeping the wheels turning
- It’s been a wild ride
- I’ve been sailing smoothly
- Just going with the flow
- Still chasing the sunshine
- Rolling with the punches
- I’ve been in the groove
- Keeping my ducks in a row
- Holding steady on the path
- Just trying to stay on my feet
- I’ve been doing the dance
- Still rolling with the tides
Professional Ways to Respond to How Have You Been
Use these in workplace chats, emails, meetings, or networking conversations.
- I’ve been doing well, thank you for asking
- Things have been progressing positively
- I’ve been staying focused and productive
- I appreciate you checking in — things are going smoothly
- I’ve had a busy but fulfilling schedule
- I’ve been managing everything effectively
- It’s been a productive few weeks
- I’ve been working hard and staying motivated
- Things are going well professionally
- I’ve been fully engaged in some new projects
- It’s been a successful season of growth
- I’ve been collaborating with great teams
- Business has been steady, and I’m grateful
- I’ve been staying ahead of my goals
- Things have been running efficiently
- I’ve been navigating challenges with a clear head
- It’s been a great time for learning
- I’ve been developing new strategies and skills
- I’ve been aligning well with our goals
- My schedule has been packed, but fulfilling
- I’ve been making steady progress
- Staying committed to ongoing success
- Things have been consistent and organized
- I’ve been working toward new milestones
- Everything is going according to plan
- I’ve had the chance to mentor and grow
- I’ve been refining my workflow
- Focused on team collaboration and results
- I’ve been prioritizing balance and efficiency
- Overall, things have been moving forward positively
Conclusion
Responding to How have you been doesn’t have to feel awkward or repetitive. With these 120+ responses, you can match your tone to any setting — whether you’re catching up with a friend, networking, or replying in a meeting.
The right response helps build connection, show personality, and keep the conversation flowing. Try out a few and see which ones feel most natural for you.
