23.

The phrases "How are you?," "Nice to meet you," and "Let’s get in touch" have become a staple in our everyday vocabulary.  As it happens, we hear and say these phrases so often that it has become second nature for most people to tack on one of these phrases after saying “hi” when greeting someone.  It is difficult to go to any public place such as school, work, the gym, or the library without overhearing one of these phrases being used in a conversation.  In fact, these phrases have become so overused that often people don’t even bother to respond!  For example, my psychology teacher starts class everyday by saying “hi guys, how are you all doing?”  Gradually throughout the year, less and less students are responding to her question to the point where occasionally she has to repeat herself multiple times in order to get a reply from one single student out of a class of twenty five.  In my opinion, this is disappointing.  Asking a question is going a step further than simply saying “hi” or “hello”.  I was at a competition recently and before heading into the presentation room, every competitor slipped in a “how are you?” to the judge to increase affection and hopefully his or her score!  Phrases such as these show thoughtfulness and effort in forming a quality relationship and therefore should be taken with literal intent.  The function of such speech is not only to communicate politeness, but to demonstrate genuine care and compassion.  These phrases hold significant value that cannot be replaced by “hello”.