At work I sometimes have reps contact me about our orders etc. If they need to speak to me they generally present me with a barrage of friendly banter which some take too far. One rep in particular, as pleasant as he is, just seems to go further than the others. He rang me and asked how I was, making personal small talk about my actual life. If we are such teat mates then why does he never call me when I'm at home on an evening. He never comes to play X Box or take me for a pint. Yet in office hours you would think I used to work with him or something. I think perhaps I will ring him one evening and ask him what he's up to and make my own small talk and then see how he likes it. I'm not chatty as it is and fully realise that even if someone asks how I am or what I did last night, that I have approximately thirty seconds before they start walking off towards the door behind them. I know this is true because when it is reversed I will allow you ten seconds. If I am genuinely interested then I will ask you when I have chosen to spend time in your company. 
It's nice to be nice after all.