On the one hand, it’s likely because they’ve been hit by a high-pressure sales pitch before. I know I’m not very good at dealing with those, and so I try to head things off at the pass when I can.
And on the other hand, a while back when I was in a more chipper mood while looking for something at a drugstore, I responded to an employee’s small-talk greeting politely and asked about how he was in turn, and actually paid attention and listened to his answer. Holy COW did I get excellent service on that trip. I wish *I* were better at remembering the good experiences than the bad ones, because I think it would make things more pleasant for a lot of us.
Oh yes. Because saying “Hi. How are you?” is apparently an annoying sales pitch. I have never understood why customers flip out when we greet them.
On the one hand, it’s likely because they’ve been hit by a high-pressure sales pitch before. I know I’m not very good at dealing with those, and so I try to head things off at the pass when I can.
And on the other hand, a while back when I was in a more chipper mood while looking for something at a drugstore, I responded to an employee’s small-talk greeting politely and asked about how he was in turn, and actually paid attention and listened to his answer. Holy COW did I get excellent service on that trip. I wish *I* were better at remembering the good experiences than the bad ones, because I think it would make things more pleasant for a lot of us.
Maybe the problem is that “how are you?” is both a greeting and the start of a conversation.
(European & Not-a-native-speaker here)