There's a phenomenon of faux cordiality that I've been a part of for a while now: the How are you?
--Good
movement. It's easy to recognize individuals involved in this movement; simply watch them as they approach and acknowledge each other. A typical conversation between such persons may look something like this:
Scene: Two Lynchburg College students approach each other while walking across the Dell. The speed at which they walk remains unchanged throughout the conversation.
Person One:
Hey, how are you?Person Two:
Good. How are you?Person One:
Good.The students continue walking, now away from each other.
See, there's really no substance to such a conversation. Therefore, I'm trying something a little different: I actually stop and engage people in conversations. Mind you, this is still a work in progress. However, I've had great success so far. It's actually quite fun, not to mention a simple way to show people that you care a little more than they might have thought. You should try it. Yes, you. No, I'm not going to quiz you nor will I be disappointed if you don't do it, but I truly believe it'll be good for you.
