If you ran into an old associate that asked "how are you doing" why would you not respond? Is it because the response is negative?

[KitsuneFoxSpirit]

This is the manager of a business I've a decent rapport with. I used to work for him even. Now keep in mind I asked him when there were some of his current staff around.

Yes, it's a negative response

No, just don't care to respond

[Moose304]

One thing I have learned is NEVER assume a negative. Make sure you have exhausted all the other options before doing that. I am an engineer. I have been so deep in thought I actually have had friends yank me off a crosswalk to keep me from stepping in front of a vehicle. I HIGHLY suggest asking that question a 2nd time and make sure they are not only hearing you but also comprehending your question.

[KitsuneFoxSpirit]

Though I understand your rationale more than likely he didn't respond so as to not offend his staff. He and I have a very blunt rapport in many ways. He's a pharmacist. And I am what's called a technician, one step below a pharmacist, but so experienced (headhunted for jobs as example) I am in ways on par with pharmacists.

[KitsuneFoxSpirit]

*by very blunt I mean he's voiced his dissatisfaction to me. So has one of the other pharmacists I've a good rapport with there.

[TommyMountainFigure]

I cannot think of anything, other than something urgent or something terrible had happened and I didn't feel like talking.

[WhitneySnow]

Cool screen name. I think if the guy didn’t answer it’s because things weren’t going so well for him.

[TwinkleLily5]

He’s rude or perhaps he didn’t hear you or know you were talking to him

[Smoke-n-Growls]

Could be either.

I try to offer a hedged response if things in my life aren't going the way I want, but someone asks. I'll mention things that ARE going well, and if they seem sympathetic or genuine, I might offer that I'm looking to do certain other things (find a new job, finding furniture, etc).

But if it's just a passing acquaintance and I don't have any relevant or positive info to share, I'll dodge or deflect and move the topic on.

I'm finding most people don't share a lot of real details about themselves with acquaintances or strangers and I also am liking doing this.

[Avicenna]

Most likely it's because something bad happened to him

[PastorJohn69]

Negative and incredibly rude

[Guy13]

If didn’t feel sincere or no time then no response

[Iron_Man]

Anybody stops me on the streets I say hello