what's up?

I don't like starting conversations. I always start them "hi, how are you?" But it's so generic...everyone asks that. And not all of them care about the answer. But how else are you going to start the conversation? You can't just jump right into a conversation "I cut my hair." It's weird. And people don't know what you're talking about. So there's a needed introduction. Some people can be unique and think up a different way to say how are you, but that takes time sometimes. Another thing I don't get is the "what's up?" (Um...the sky?) I know what they mean, but how do you answer that? Usually it's "not much" but that is also very boring and generic. I only answer that with something interesting when I have something really exiting to say. Which isn't very often :P Or when you walk by people and you know them. You say hi, but you're usually walking so fast that only one of you can ask how are you. And maybe you'll hear the answer. But if you stop to see what the answer is, it's a little akward, cuz you don't know if the other person is going to stop and talk or just keep walking by. And if you stop but they don't, then you feel dumb.