I have been wondering lately how often we ask someone else 'How are you' and a) are actually interested not just making conversation and b) wait to hear the answer or just accept the 'fine or OK' as read. I grew up in East London and the usual mode of enquiry was 'How have you been keeping' which seems like more of an enquiry and invitation to talk a bit more. I don't hear that phrase now. My elderly neighbours are lovely and always ask for specifics e.g. 'how is your arthritis', how is Ps blood pressure?'. I try to remember something about what the person I am enquiring about last told me e.g. a recent holiday or hospital visit but so often ask this and often its not reciprocated. Do we care enough about each other or are we just going through the polite motions when we say 'How are you?'
Scottish political mess. Is Devolution working?