My neighbor Ted across the street, 85 years old, died the other day. Last I spoke with him, two weeks ago, he seemed as hale and hearty as ever. Ted and I enjoyed 26 trouble-free years of neighborly, if superficial, acquaintanceship. In this world of surfaces, relationships kept conventional and superficial are often best. Not one harsh word passed between us. Nothing was ever said in seriousness or in jest to sully the serenity that made the living easy. I will remember him fondly, with nary a negative thought.
There is a lot to be said for mere acquaintanceship and for cleaving to the conventional. Go deep with people and you may see things you would like to forget. In a world of seemings, surfaces are safe. You say conventional usages are phony? They mainly are, but what did you expect in a world fleeting and phenomenal? Grow up, Holden!
Don't look for depth where it cannot be found. But look for depth. Where? First within, and then in a kindred spirit or two.