Another " White Lie"

It is the most compact of all dialogues a clipped conversation that had 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 " Okay." 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 explain, reveal the "why's" of why we aren't "Fine?" Thus, we lie stoics with a stiff upper lip, a faked smile we guard hard truths.