convienence.

lately, i have been noticing a pattern, not just with me, but with everyone.
we all ask how people are doing out of obligation, like it doesn't really matter what their answer is, we just know we have to ask the question, "how are you doing?"
not only have i noticed the tone in peoples voices and my own asking that question, i have also noticed the way the recipients answer the question; good, okay, fine, alright, etc.
we give the most convenient answer, because we know, that the person asking is asking because this phrase is always a conversation starter, but i digress.
i went out for ice cream with two of my friends, and the first words they spoke to each other where, "how was your day?" which is a great question, but it was how the question was asked, it was asked in a, 'robotic, lets just get this question out of the way,' sort of tone.
yes, some people when asking the question genuinely want to know the answer, and also depending on the person, if asked will give a real heartfelt response.
now why, can't that happen all the time...it isn't convenient.
so, when i ask the question, 'how are you doing?' i am really wanting to know the answer, because i care and i really enjoy hearing about my friends lives.
i just don't understand how a simple, loving gesture turned into a hassle, a one-word answer just to get the question over with.