Asking someone how they are

I don't think a lot of people are "Fine' these days and more and more are needing someone to talk . I once made a G.P. laugh when I replied to "How are you ?'as "Fine thank you ," when in fact it was quite the opposite or I wouldn't have been there.
We have had 2 years of Covid and now Ukraine. Poor access to Dr's and medical services and not been going to clubs or leisure pursuits like we did.
People who you never expect to open up and tell you intimate problems about their health or family.
Maybe you need a new greeting,'Hello good to see you". as suggested is really good and really we can all expect people to tell it as it really is..
I'm not meaning this in a critical way, our postman opened up to me the other day and normally he says "morning" and that's his lot.
We all tell each other things on grans net and share problems and advice if we can which is good.
Maybe if life was a bit more back to normal we would all remember to ask about the other person as well.
I think the English stiff upper lip is not so stiff at the moment,I just smile and try to listen.
I hope you are well yourself ? Judy.

Most of the people I meet are 'fine' and I say I'm fine too. There are times when I do meet someone who needs to offload. I just feel that if it helps them to have a rant about things that upset them then I am doing my good deed for the day by sympathetically listening.
If it gets too much for you just wind the conversation up with an appointment you need to get to or you have to phone someone at ?o'clock.

My Mum used to say, "For goodness' sake don't ask your grandma how she is, she'll only tell you." ?

I think a lot people do that when they get older but perhaps don’t realise they’re doing it.

How are you Judy?

Hello, good to see you. That doesn’t invite off loading
Having said that, so many people are struggling and need to express that to a friendly face . I’m ok with listening