Hi.....how are you?

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I'm fine....and you?Are these just "cliches", or do they really mean something? How many times have you said to someone "Hi, how are you?".....and, of course, you expect them to reply "I'm fine, and you?" ? Sometimes, just for kicks, I might reply "I'm really lousy, but thanks for asking!" That kind of response can really throw someone off, because (usually) they really weren't asking how I was, but were merely "making conversation" or "breaking the ice"...and they really didn't want to hear my ailments or problems, either. But...we use these all the time. Interesting!