Date: Wed, 22 Oct 1997 21:56:16 -0400 From: Jody Subject: Re: Bless You I assume that all of this discussion about politeness and the decline thereof in the linguistic sense can also be seen in those that use the so-called "polite" terms, as we have come to consider them, when they mean absolutely nothing by the endearments. Why ask an acquaintance (or even stranger) "How are you doing?" if you don't care to hear the actual answer to the question. Is it supposed to be some sort of hypothetical question? I would prefer being ignored to being asked a question as such and refused a chance to answer that very question. My suggestion, don't even TRY to be polite if you couldn't care less.