anotheranon | musings: "cliche responses"

The whole subject of "mock" public response vs. how people actually feel has been much on my mind of late. I never really thought about it before, but I was challenged about a response I made about something that, in all honesty, was a gut, knee-jerk "canned" response because it's socially acceptable. Don't worry - I didn't say anything racist, discriminatory, etc. But it was something I don't actually *feel*.. Kind of like answering "how are you?" with "fine" - even though you're having a crappy day.

And I'm aware of the difference between honesty, oversharing, and simple politeness, but I do hope that I can be more honest in the future about what I think about things.

This is not making sense, but it's a long story.

Anyone else find themselves answering questions with a cliche, just to fit in?

Mentioned this elsewhere and was directed to The Abilene Paradox a book about the "management of agreement". I think this phrase sums it up better than I can.