"Hello, how are you"

"Hey, how ya doing?"

"Hey, what's up?"

These are common expressions that we say to each other every day. But do we mean them?

When was the last time you asked how someone was doing and meant it?

When was the last time someone asked you how you were doing and you answered honestly?

Do we feel that we are able to answer that question with complete honesty, even when the answer may be less than happy?

If not, then maybe we need to ask ourselves why.

There are so many people in our lives who are going through silent battles. Who feel that they have no one to turn to. Each day they trudge on, alone. When we ask each other these simple questions, maybe we should ask them honestly, and be prepared for real answers.

There are too many people losing their own fights because they feel too alone to share how they really feel with others.

Perhaps something as simply as a, "Hey, how are you?" a genuine question, one where you really care about the response, can change a person's day.

How often have we asked a person that simple question, knowing full well that they are upset, and accepted an answer like, "I'm fine" or "I'm good" without asking them if they want to talk about what is wrong or if they are really OK.

How often do we ask someone that simple question and really do not want to hear a genuine response, and maybe get upset when they answer honestly?

It is time to start genuinely caring about others if you haven't started already.

It is time to be genuine with yourself, and with those around you.

If you ask someone how they are, be prepared for a real, honest response.

When you are asked how you are, give a genuine response.

We need to show each other that we care for one another, that we are not alone, that there are others out there who love us and support us. Sometimes that can be as simple as, "Hey, how are you?"

Don't be afraid to be that person who is there for others.

Don't be afraid to be that person who is honest with themselves and with others.

If you need help, reach out.

If you can give help, give it.

Together we can make a difference, one small greeting at a time.