“How are you?” as part of a greeting is a phatic expression in the English language. In the context described, the first person doesn’t actually care how you are either.
You can always defend the meaningfulness of this expression by answering honestly and at length.
Which is what I usually do.
Either people are genuinely interested in my well being or they learn not to talk to me. Win - Win.
“How are you?” as part of a greeting is a phatic expression in the English language. In the context described, the first person doesn’t actually care how you are either.
Willy Wonka would disapprove.
You can always defend the meaningfulness of this expression by answering honestly and at length. Which is what I usually do. Either people are genuinely interested in my well being or they learn not to talk to me. Win - Win.