Really...
Let's look at the topics that we discuss and the context in which it happens.
Weather? News? Sports? Politics? Religion? (G-d forbid). Same old same old... Years go by that are cumulatively wasted on this nonsense. In retrospect, however, we mostly remember the things that happened to us and our closest ones and usually forget all the irrelevant stuff.
Let's imagine that the question "How are you?" is replaced with "Where you are going?" Of course, you don't need to spill out your grand plans if you don't feel like it, but how much more meaningful our conversations become when we talk to each other instead of about each other. And then, not as much about the same old story that we've told everyone hundreds of times at the same mall or on a train, but discuss something the we are yet to experience.
Next time you have a conversation, don't hesitate to courteously cut off the other party and just say the following: "We both have a dream. Let's see how I can help you to accomplish yours, perhaps you could help me to accomplish mine or together let's help someone to reach theirs."
Just try it and not only you will have a more meaningful connection but also you will appreciate the moment and move closer to a dream. Even if not your dream this time, but the more we give, the more we get and the worst thing that might happen: you become a contributor to someone's dream.
Simon Swerdlow