My T used to start out with "so, how are you?" and it bugged me to death that time after time, I was never able to just say, "Oh, I'm great". On the other hand, we both know that if things WERE great, I wouldn't be there.

One day I went in and after the chitchat she said, "So, how are you?" and I said, boy you really cut to the chase! Just pin me down why dont you.
She laughed but I found out later that it really, realy stuck with her.

These days she will gently say something like, "so, how have you been?" or "so, what's been happening since I saw you last?" It's the same question!! but for some reason it doesn't seem to provoke that cornered feeling and response....