“How are you?”

Social niceties.

The behaviors in which we engage on a mostly subconscious level-the ‘knee jerk’ reaction and the ‘automatic response’ that is hardwired into us, largely based on culture. We greet a stranger or a friend, and ask a potentially loaded question that is passed off in a very innocent, innocuous manner, with little thought as to what the recipient of the salutation might say in response. So, I suppose, my opinion of the (seemingly) apathetic Wal-Mart employee who had to break attention from her smartphone and perform her duty isn’t diminished.

Do people really want to know?

She was in silence as I related that, from the 21st floor of the hospital, I observed the line of vehicles stopped on the freeway, impeded by the flashing red, blue and white of police cars. My shopping cart contents advanced further down the conveyer belt to the register, as I mentioned that several trauma alerts were broadcast overhead, some of them possibly from the kerfuffle occurring outside. And as she finished scanning and bagging my items, I concluded that ‘it helps put things into perspective. So, I guess, I’m doing ok. Some people are worse off than I am.’

“I hope you have a better day,” she replied.

Was she listening? I responded, “oh no, I’m fine. Everything’s good.” I know, my presence was disrupting her TikTok brain rot.

Social niceties only seem to be worthwhile in a society that values authentic interactions. If you ask me how I’m doing, chances are high that I will tell you. Be prepared.