Another "White" Lie

It is the most compact of all dialogues a clipped conversation that has become so routine- it is one of the first phrases learned in a foreign language course. It is a question-answer oft repeated quickly, given by rote it has become a mindless murmuring. "How are you?" "Fine..." - So much chatter even in the midst of tragedy we mutter a simple "O.K." And why do we lie? What if we are anything but "Fine" is it easier to sidestep the truth maneuver to another topic anything- than to list, explain, reveal the "Whys" of why we aren't "Fine." Thus, we lie stoics with a stiff upper lip, a faked smile we guard hard truths.