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Except the gp was specifically talking about strangers, and your link points out that this Russian phrase is overfamiliar for strangers. That is the whole point
by GW150914 8y ago
Except the gp was specifically talking about strangers, and your link points out that this Russian phrase is overfamiliar for strangers. That is the whole point! From the gp (I usually don't care how some stranger feels, why should I?)
It’s a whole other issue if your friend says it, but that isn’t what he was talking about.
- deanCommie 8y agoBut it's not overfamiliar because the expectations are different. The way Russians and others justify their discomfort with "How are you" is by complaining that an honest response isn't requested or expected, and giving one is awkward. That is exactly the same situation with "как дела". Though you would only use it with close friends, it is intended as a throwaway comment, not expecting an honest response.