One of the things that leaves me emotionally ragged by the end of the day is being surrounded by people for whom normal clever social interactions is always surfing along the surface. I am constantly asked questions that they don't really mean to hear the real answers to - it has become a joke to keep tripping me up I think. It is good-natured as far as I can tell - but it is exhausting. I just cannot remember to "be shallow", to remember they are not being sincere - if that makes any sense (I am ragged right now, so I'm not sure how clearly I can put all of this). I'm tired of sincerity not being appreciated or taken seriously. I just don't understand how these other people cannot be emotionally ragged at the end of a superficial/shallow day. Maybe if work in itself - or even just the work of socializing - weren't so much of an effort for me I could then to remember to switch into fake mode, but as it is I just react as I normally would - sincerely...and just serve as bait.