On the Origins of this Phenomenon in America we call Cheerfullness, and others call Hypocrisy

How are you doing?

It seems like such an innocuous question, but how one answers it speaks volumes.

The American, for example-- "How are you doing?" "I'm fine, great, never been better. I don't have a problem in the world, no-sir-eee"

The Pole-- "How are you doing (Jak się masz?)" "Oh, well, ok, but you know lately I just can't seem to do anything, I've been so tired. Plus at work I've been having all sorts of difficulties, and my son just got a rabid case of the measles, so that's been keeping me busy. My foot hurts and I have a headache, do you know anything that helps that? In general, I'm pretty miserable, I guess, but I can't complain, just got to keep on going."

As an American, this response bugs me to no end. That's because, when an American answers the question, "How do you do," this is what he is really saying:

"Well, my wife may have just died, my cat's got herpes, my oldest son is a terrorist, and Im suffering from severe diarrhea, but I'm not going to mention that. The grease of our social interactions is a shared facade of prosperity and happiness. Mentioning my problems would place me in the realm of the socially deviant. You don't want to deal with that; in fact you can't--you, and I, have no life precedent for actually delving into someone's feelings. We reserve that for our spouses and deathbeds; before or with anyone else 'Fine' is all we want to know and hear. You don't want the answer to the question. Well, you do, but to the real question you asked, not the literal one, the real question being: Hello, acquaintance, I acknowledge your existence and wish to establish cordial relations. Please respond by indicating that you are on the same social page as I and we can commence to do business."

How did we develop this infinitely useful and wholly honorable social code? I think it dates back to the revolution and before. I think it comes from a nation conceived in prosperity, and dedicated to the prospect of doing good business. I think it comes from a mindset which priveleges the individual and his inalienable right to be left alone above all else. Sharing emotions opens one up to unlawful outside interference in sovereign internal matters.

Poles, on the other hand, revolted differently and grew from different waters. Theirs is a tale of romanticism and martyrdom, suffering and comraderie in the face of hardship. Everyone knows your not ok and there is no use pretending. The only thing to do is to help each other out and wait till better times.