How are you...?

As with every other day, mine began with the question "How are you?"

Unlike every other day, today I actually thought about it.

Is it that by asking this question we are seeking to become more connected with others? To feel as they feel, think as they think? Two bodies, sharing the one mind...Is it that really the human soul is a beautiful thing, and that we seek to better understand and love one another? Is it a quest for some intimate understanding? Are we searching for someone to say "it's alright. Your life my seem terrible, but everything is okay. I love you"?

Or is it merely just a shallow social requirement that absolves us of actually caring? Do we really seek, by asking others about themselves, to know less about them, maybe even nothing? Are we attempting an ignorance? Are we really viscous, shallow creatures that feign concern because of the positive repercussions for ourselves?

I answered, as I do every day, that I was fine.

Au Revoir.