I don't think people care one bit, unless someone calls you on the phone and says "hey, I haven't heard from you in a while, how are you doing?"

That, to me, is a REAL concern question.

But the other people who say "how are you", well, they don't want to hear about woes and wails, etc. They are just being polite.

But the person who says "have a nice day", I LIKE THAT, because I get to say it back in whatever their native language is, and you should see the look on their faces.

It gets their attention. Around where i live, there are MANY languages spoke, so I have had to learn "have a nice day", in quite a few.

Alan thinks it's hysterical.