I've been thinking about manners, social interactions, etc. recently. This has stemmed from reading a lot of economists who blog on topics that include "signal

I've been thinking about manners, social interactions, etc. recently. This has stemmed from reading a lot of economists who blog on topics that include "signalling" (you've heard of this - it's the argument that people go to college not so much to learn things there, but to signal to employers - and potential dating partners - that they're the kind of person who CAN go to college). Manners, smalltalk and other "bullshit" things are only bullshit to those who don't realize the purpose of them. "How are you" / "I'm fine" is not bullshit. It's a social ritual, much like shaking hands. It says "you may know nothing else about me, but know this: I am at least a barely competent human being who has managed to learn some minor social interaction skills over the last few decades on this planet". Imagine walking up to someone and offering to shake hands. Now, this person might decline for a variety of reasons - "I'm sorry, I've got a medical condition", etc. ...but if the other person rebuffed your handshake and said "I've come up with a much better form of greeting - here, wiggle your left pinky at me and I'll do the same back - more efficient, see?" I'd shake my head and think "OM*G - what is this person going to be like when I ask him to write a regression test? How is he going to dress if we need to go meet an investor - utilikilt and body paint?"