^ Empty Inquiries

How many times a day do I vapidly, vacantlyinquire about someone’s well-being? It’s that trite little exchange: “Hi, howare you, fine thanks.” Does anyone really listen to that? Why do I participatein such a charade?

I want to resolve not to ask after someoneif I don’t really care. And I want the same in return. Nothing irks me morethan someone “going through the motions” with me – do not ask me how I am ifyou don’t care. And I should be willing to provide you the same courtesy.

Instead of that limp exchange of emptycourtesy, I resolve to ask real questions and listen for the response. If Iabhor pretending, I might as well start with the easiest stuff to cull.