On August 1, 2009, after the guest said, "How are you?", Scott Simon, the host on NPR, said to the guest, "As if you care." Now this was all done in a laughing tone, but it did make sense.

While this may sound crass, it is a reminder that courtesy that is covered with insincerity is as false as a lie, which was exactly Scott’s point.

I have been asked 1,000s of times as a polite intro, "Leo, how are you?’ and without a nanosecond pause for an answer, the person is on to telling me about their whatever. When I have asked these individuals if they really care how I am, they, with an sense of being insulted say, "Of course I care. You are important to me." I smile. The next time we meet, they ask me the same question. You know, they even ask dogs that same question, "How are you puppy?". Anyhow. At some point, I hold up my hand like a school guard and interrupt them. I then begin to answer. I tell them that I am very happy because my son is coming to visit, and that when he comes I was hoping that we all could get together..... " It drove her nuts. She squirmed thinking that I might continue telling her things she really did not want to know. I pointed out that my 20 second response was merely answering her question. She balked. Silence. I asked if she remained sincere in her question? She so affirmed. Next time we met, sure enough the knee jerk question. I politely met her eye to eye. She was dumbfounded. "What is going on?" she queried? I told her. Silence again. This scenario happened some six times. Finally she said, "What do you say? Finally, she asked. I responded, I say, "It is good to see you." Her eyes lit up, and she smiled. "That is really, really good.", she said. " Where did you learn that?" I smiled. "Friend, I did not learn that. I was not taught that by my parents, learn it from a book, or am mimicking the elder of my church." I am saying what is in my heart. "Well then, Mr. Know it all, what do you say to people that you are not happy to see?" I slowly responded with my eyes fastened on hers. I say, "What can I do for you today?" She said, "Do you mean it?" "I certainly do.", I said.

At the end of conversation, it was as if she had found a brand new first gear for her mind, a way to start a meeting with sincerity instead of faked caring.

Perhaps Mr. Scott Simon, will have an occasion to share this story with his guests who start their conversations, "How are you Scott; it is so good for me on your show and to have this opportunity to ............." The question was a wash of insincerity.

People who really think, spend time alone.

People who really think, alienate some others

People who really think, have suffered.

Market research says people who stand alone, think more.

Observing a well tanned person: Life guard? Nope. U.S. Postal worker? Nope. UPS delivery person?. Yes. Want to know two companies that are America with a Capital A? Discount Tire, and UPS. If they wore caps with their names on them, people would stand aside to let them in a doorway first. If America ever needs a militia, recruit these.

"It is my job."

"My dad taught me."