Ask "How are you" and really mean it

In some places - ahem, the UK - "How are you?" is similar to "Hi". The only acceptable answers are rote variations of  "Good", "Fine" and, if things are really bleak, "Ok". In fact, you're horrified and discomfited if anyone actually takes this question seriously, as doing so seems to break some unspoken yet obvious code of interpersonal interaction. What next, utter social anarchy? It's only a few small steps from this to people cutting ahead in line, peeing on toilet seats and eventually, of course, machine-gunning embryos and crafting clothes out of their gelatinous skins just because they can. It's possible, however, that some people might actually like to have serious conversations about how they're feeling. I can't verify this myself, but you may like to explore this possibility.


Effort involved: well, you'll have to brace yourself for a conversation. But it just may be a good one.

Image from: http://daily-songs.com/2011/10/07/how-are-you-by-david-byrne-fatboy-slim-feat-nellie-mckay/