Is there "another" meaning of "How are things coming along?"

[davidtrinh]

People might ask you the question "How are things coming along?". It could mean that you had previously told them about something, for example, a business project or a school assignment you were working on. If so, they might be asking you "How is it progressing?". I understand this meaning. However, someone asked me this question in a different situation.

(ex) A few days ago, I saw my neighbor in my building. He asked me, "How are things coming along with you?". Before we met in the lobby, I had never told him about a project or any type of assignment I was doing. In fact, I have not been busy with anything big. I didn't know how to answer his question. I just smiled at him. Then, we walked away from each other.


Does his question mean "How are you?" and "How is it going?" in my example? Please explain it. Thanks a lot.

 

[probus]

We Canadians are very accusomed to having a lot of new Canadians, and we like it.

Given the context, I think it is pretty much equivalent to "How's it going?" with the slight qualifier of "Given your newness." I.e. he was asking whether you might need a little extra help in settling in.

 

[davidtrinh]

Thanks, probus. I may be new to the forum but not new to Canada. I have been here for seven years. I don't think he was wondering whether I needed any assistance in settling in. Your clarification helps me understand that it's equivalent to "How are you?" or "How is it going?". Thanks again.

 

[probus]

Well David, I spend a lot of time in the United Sates, and I would never say "How are things coming along" to my American friends if I meant "How's it going?"

Evidently there is something Canadian about this "coming along." I am sorry I have not identified it to your satisfaction. Any other Canadian teachers care o join in?

My opinion is that you think seven years in Canada is enough to erase your newness, but your neighbour disagrees.

 

[GoesStation]

Given the very large immigrant population of Canada, it's possible the neighbor was not a native Anglophone.