Let me go in a different direction than other commentors. "How are you?" is a little less hollow of meaning than I think you perceive it to be.
>Maybe it's cultural, but I find it extremely superfluous, especially in a work context. It signals a very cheap understanding of care: a standard one-shot catchphrase one can use to measure mood and happiness.
You may be surprised to learn how many people would be totally fine with you giving them a real response to that question. Even if the situation (say, a business setting) does not allow the time or context to give a full answer, you may say "Busy! Really working away at this sprint" or "Tired, kids kept me up all night" or whatever, but that's real communication and not just superficial talking.
>Maybe it's cultural, but I find it extremely superfluous, especially in a work context. It signals a very cheap understanding of care: a standard one-shot catchphrase one can use to measure mood and happiness.
You may be surprised to learn how many people would be totally fine with you giving them a real response to that question. Even if the situation (say, a business setting) does not allow the time or context to give a full answer, you may say "Busy! Really working away at this sprint" or "Tired, kids kept me up all night" or whatever, but that's real communication and not just superficial talking.