I guess when my T asks me "how are you?" when entering the office, I take it as a normal greeting that just means 'Hi' and I don't take it as a 'real' question. I've only started therapy and have had only about 8 sessions. They go really well. I know exactly what I want to talk about and usually bring in my journal or notes. I think the whole week what exactly I want to share and process and I don't want to waste time so I edit it until it seems like it will fit into a 50 minute session. There is no awkwardness at the beginning. I feel very grateful that I've found a T with whom I feel completely comfortable. And given that this is the first time I've done therapy and reading all of your experiences I know now how lucky I am.