What I hate is when people who could be a support come up and chat, then furtively look around and switch into their library-voice and ask "so how's it going?". You make some glossed over "oh, alright" or "the same" because it's really not an appropriate time or place to get into a serious conversation. They give you a sincere pursed lips and nod and then without missing a beat go back to their normal voice and change the topic: weather, sports, whatever. You can see their visible relief. That's it! Situation handled!
Sheeesh.