I have found that asking a question does not always indicate a desire for an answer. We have a culture where we learn that asking questions is a way to make conversation which is how we make ourselves comfortable. For example how many times have you heard some one say "how are you?" and you know full well that what they expect to hear is "good" regardless of circumstance. In my experience you do come across people who are genuinely interested in hearing multiple stories, but much more often it is just what is done.