http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QrjXhhkf7NE

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8rynTrD0bWQ

Good question and I think I get your point. Sometimes it does seem that we ask only because:

1) It's small talk to begin a conversation with someone we're related to, but really don't know. (Ice-breaker)

2) It's a way to find some form of value to be thankful for because someone might answer in a way that allows the questioner to pity in the form of, "I'm thankful I'm not in that person's predicament."

3) It's a way of self-gratification. In other words, if *My* Thankfuls are better than your thankfuls, then I'm a better person.

4) Ignorance-IOWs some people are literally too ignorant/shallow to think outside their box to see things. (In some ways, our society reinforces this behavior.)

That said, I think there is often more honesty in a person bringing this topic up in the invisible 'virtual' world than in our reality.

I guess the best way to survive is by not bringing up the subject and avoid those that do it to serve a less than honest purpose.

**I'll deviate to the original story (Pilgrims) or ask the question why Canada celebrates Thanksgiving at a different time if the conversation gets too self-serving.

>how many times will you get this question today
it doesn't matter

>how come we have to tell people this every year
we don't hafta say shit about it

>is it always the same thing
pretty much

>how many times will you ask it
don't know that i will

>how come its the only day we think to ask and tell
because we are selfish and inconsiderate

"how many times will you get this question today"
never really get asked what am I thankful for

"how come we have to tell people this every year"
don't have to.

"is it always the same thing"
pretty much the same "category" but details vary

"how many times will you ask it"
don't ask it.

"how come its the only day we think to ask and tell"
probably because the word is so prevalent during the season?