She said “Hi” but did she mean it? Maybe it wasn’t even directed at me but the person near me? There was a smile but it could have been gas or maybe she was remembering a past joke. If I respond with a “Hi” back will she think that I’m being too aggressive or maybe I should expand it with “How are you” because it’s insufficient? What if we then get in a whole deep conversation, I just don’t have the time! Yet if I don’t respond will she believe I’m a snob and never say “Hi” again. How should I say it anyway with vigor or coolness will my inflection revel too much? It’s just one word but it could change everything or not mean a damn thing.