How Are You, Verity?

Verity, a neurodivergent child, sets out to understand the true meaning behind greetings and salutations by conducting an experiment. She shares her excitement about a school field trip to the aquarium with her neighbors, but when the trip is canceled, she questions what to say when asked "How are you?"

Format: Hardback
Length: 32 pages
Publication date: 22 August 2023
Publisher: American Psychological Association

Verity, a neurodivergent child, embarked on a curious journey to unravel the true essence of greetings and salutations. Intrigued by the ubiquitous "How are you?" question, Verity wondered if it truly sought genuine inquiry or merely served as a customary greeting. Determined to find answers, Verity devised an experiment.

With excitement bubbling within her, Verity planned to observe and analyze the responses she received when asking her neighbors, "How are you?" She hoped to uncover whether the question carried a deeper meaning or if it was merely a social convention.

One sunny morning, Verity approached her neighbors with a smile and a batch of freshly baked cookies. As she handed out the treats, she eagerly inquired, "How are you?" The neighbors, taken aback by Verity's genuine interest, responded with warmth and kindness. They shared stories of their recent adventures, expressed gratitude for the cookies, and offered heartfelt greetings.

Over the next few days, Verity meticulously recorded the responses she received. She noted the variations in tone, length, and content of the replies. Some neighbors provided detailed accounts of their lives, while others offered simple pleasantries. Verity also observed that some people seemed uncomfortable answering the question, while others relished the opportunity to connect with others.

After analyzing her data, Verity concluded that her brother John was correct. "How are you?" was indeed a greeting, not an invitation to share personal details. It was a way for people to acknowledge each other's presence and show kindness.

However, Verity's experiment did not end there. She wondered what people should say when asked "How are you?" She considered various options and decided that the most appropriate response was a genuine expression of gratitude and well-wishes.

With this newfound understanding, Verity resumed her interactions with her neighbors. When asked "How are you?" she responded with sincere gratitude for their presence in her life. She shared stories of her own adventures and expressed her hopes and dreams for the future. The neighbors, appreciative of Verity's genuine interest, responded with warmth and kindness.

Verity's journey taught her valuable lessons about communication and empathy. She realized that the simplest questions can hold profound meaning and that it is important to listen carefully and respond with genuine care and concern.

From that day forward, Verity continued to ask "How are you?" with a renewed sense of purpose. She hoped to create a ripple effect of kindness and connection in her community, one greeting at a time.

In conclusion, Verity's experiment revealed the true meaning behind greetings and salutations. While "How are you?" is a customary greeting, it can be transformed into a meaningful expression of gratitude and well-wishes. By listening carefully and responding with genuine care, we can create a more compassionate and connected world.

Weight: 326g
Dimension: 212 x 263 x 12 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781433841514