Maybe this is more of an observation...

When talking with people, DH and I make it a point to ask how people are. This includes waitresses, tech support on the phone for any situation etc. They (mainly friends and family) then go into long dissertations about their current life's events. But rarely do we get people to ask US how we are doing.

It is so obvious to us. And I am very attuned to that now. Just tonight I spoke w/a friend whom I'd not seen in 12 years. Not ONCE did she say "And how are YOU doing?"

One time a friend said "We KNOW you two are fine", but that is not the point. Does no one care??

We do this with so many and rarely do we get asked. Not that we want to give a dissertations, but at least be kind enough to at least ask!!

Do you make it a point to show interest in others or do you seem to just talk about yourself? Pay attention next time and see what you come up with. You never know if someone just needs to know if others authentically care.