Are You Really?

I was on my way out the door and I poked one of my close friends to say a quick goodbye. We fell right into the cultural conversation we carry daily with dozens of people. 

"How are you?"

"I'm doing good. How are you?" 

But then he broke script. 

"Are you really?" 

I wasn't expecting that. That day, I really was good. However, there have been many other days when I needed someone to ask how I was and truly want to know. 

It got me thinking about that whole pleasantries thing. Why do we do that? It has become so ritualistic that it no longer has any significant meaning.
I'm not saying we should stop asking our friends how they are when we see them, I'm saying we should mean it. Who knows, maybe it could save someone's life someday.