How are you

[Quickerthanavicar]

I sometimes volunteer in a school office.
Was in last week, helping parents drop off kids, staffing the phones etc.
No parent asked how I or any of the other schools staff were.
Some of the staff in the school have had to shield, been ill and are grieving.
Am I expecting too much. I asked how they were.

I think you are expecting too much yes, people cared, they also know that because of distancing time is short as it takes so much longer for everything to happen. The cost is small talk, it is not because they don't care, and even if actually you have time, people don't know and are rightly acting as such.

Sounds like you would like to feel seen.
I get that. These are stressful times. its about hierarchy of needs. people are just trying to minimise contact and chat. sadly social interactions in person take a back seat. I do understand. its all so different now.