why do we even ask ( How are you doing?) if we dont even listen to what there gonna say after we ask?

Answer 1

because we just want to be nice and kind. but really i don't care what people have to say. i just do it mostly to woman to get there attention. then when i see if there cute or not i could really care less what there mouth is flappin.

Answer 2

It possibly is initiated to help detect the mental nuances, and mood of the other person, also is a way of greeting and acknowledging the presence of the other person. Once we confirm that the situation is normal, we tend to direct our conscious attention towards other cognitive priorities. So even tho we seemingly don't seem to sincerely care about the other person's response to the question, we really are using such a question as a way to cue into the situation. Notably, a simple Hello would probably suffice as well.

Answer 3

It's called "phatic communication", coined by Roman Jakobson (and I only mention his name because it looks good in search engines). Basically this is any word or phrase meant to initiate communication or keep channels open. Less academically speaking, any pointless speech to get the ball rolling. Simply put: “Hi, how’s it going?”

It serves no real purpose other than to lead (or attempt to lead anyway) to more meaningful communications. Occasionally it works, but more often the small chatter will run it's course and after a breif awkward silence, both patrons will move onto another and repeat the dance.

Answer 4

I normally listen to what they say because then I come back with them saying things such as well what has happened that puts you in a good/bad mood.

That's how I usually start off a conversation in an awkward situation.

Answer 5

That's why many people do not even answer. They ask the same thing. IT results that there are 2 questions without a single answer.

Answer 6

its just a gesture... like waving goodbye. Its pretty much the same as "hello." you're just acknowledging the other person's presence and the fact that you havent seen them in a while.... the same way they bow to each other when they pass in other countries.

Answer 7

it's cordial. the person on the other end knows that as well. It's a polite way of acknowelgding another person's existence, even if you dont' care they are there

Answer 8

because in a community we want to form bonds with those around us, so we engage in "polite gestures" in certain situations to show that we are part of a group.

Answer 9

Just a longer way of saying 'hello'.

Answer 10

You lost me after the first three words. ;)