Di, you are genuine. But honestly when a stranger or someone I barely know, I simply say fine..and talk about something.

If it is someone I know as a good friend and family, I do ask how they are and hope they ask that out of me. Usually they do. My response for tough times in life, I just say could be better, but I'm alive or something to that effect. Details are reserved for time and right place.
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http://cyclewriteblog.wordpress.com/ (How cycling leads to other types of adventures, thoughts)
http://velourbansism.wordpress.com