The famous stereotype that Americans will greet anyone with Hi, How are you while not actually caring about the response is a source for jokes all over the world. Recently I called a friend in Russia, and as soon as he picked up said, Hi, How are you? The friend started laughing and said, "Did you learn that in America?"
It is a true stereotype and it is also true that it crawls into your language, wherever you might be from, very quickly.
But the fun part is crafting the response when you happen to be addressed with the infamous greeting. In certain instances you are expected to reply, while in others - absolutely not. For example, when you arrive to some sort of insignificant meeting, with someone you have never seen before, and never will again - you will most likely be asked Hi, How are you, and it is a gesture of politeness, to respond with Good, how are you? However, in an instance like cashing out at the register in a store, it is usually proper to let it go and not waste time.
The fun part is responding in exactly the second type of situation, when your companion is not expecting it. Not only does it catch them by surprise, it also makes them wonder, why the hell they asked in the first place.
If you'rein a benevolent mood, you might look straight at them, with a nice smile and reciprocate the question. Many times they will brighten up at this unexpected concern, and gladly share their feelings with you. Sometimes, though, people are ready for this as well and they finish off the exchange with the also standard, Good, Thank you for asking. In this case you haven't surprised anyone.
The best and almost error proof response to a random Hi, How are you is to take the question literally and seriously. Look back at the person and with complete, unmistakable, self confidence just say Good! If you do it right, not only will your companion be surprised, they will stand there stunned, with a look that says How dare you?! As if they are offended that you actually understood their question as an attempt to exhibit care in your direction.
