We often say "ひさしぶり" "元気? " between friends There is not suitable Japanese phrase corresponding to "how are you?". Therefore, we are sometimes confused when someone tell "how are you" to us. We tend to graduate roughly if we are friends and omit a small talk, and we start a normal conversation soon.

ありがとうございます！

Hello Maria-san お元気ですか？ isn't incorrect but it sounds very robotic(textbookish phases or I would say too polite with friends) If you are seeing contour friend and it's been a while, '久(ひさ)しぶり' or' 久しぶりです'(polite form) then you can add '元気だった?' Or ' お元気でしたか' (polite form) too. When I am meeting my friend and saw the friend the day before or just a couple days ago , '昨日どうだった？' or '最近どう?' *ひさしぶり-Hisashi-buli' =it's been a long time *昨日どうだった？-kinoh-doh-datta? =how's yesterday? *最近どう( してる)-Sai-kin-doh(shiteru)?=how's been doing lately ? I am a Native Japanare speaker but it is just my opinion and I hope that still helpful for you :))