Why do people feel the need to ask how a stranger is on the phone?

Question

Seriously...it's polite...but do we care or not of their answer? What if they said no they weren't ok?

Answer 1

Well it is a polite thing like you said. Typically the person on the other end is usually doing fine, (which is usually evident by their voice), and you are just being polite by attempting to personal your conversation a little with a stranger by not simply immediately jumping into business matters. Now, as far as what would happen if they were actually not doing good, typically you can offer some slight comfort without having to get too personal or attached into their unfortunate circumstance.

A friendly or kind response such as, “well I hope things get better for you,” or “it will turn out alright in the long run” are nice to hear when you are in hard times, but also do not actually put you (the comforter) in their situation to have to hear more details or offer any personal assistance. In the end, this is all part of social etiquette and the idea that people should be treated with some form of dignity, kindness and respect - even strangers.