There are many synonyms for the phrase "how are things?" which people use to ask about the state of affairs or current situation. Some popular alternatives include "what's going on?" "how's everything?" "how's it going?" "what's happening?" "how's life?" and "what's up?" These phrases are often used in casual conversation to inquire about a person's well-being, or to start off a conversation on a positive note. While they may seem like simple greetings, they can be an effective way to break the ice and establish rapport with someone. Depending on the context, the tone and phrasing of these phrases may vary, but their intention remains the same - to show interest and concern for the other person's life.