Politeness (n.) , in Japan, is not simply insincerity. The Japanese are well aware that something which may appear superficial and unnecessary, has a much deeper structural function.. .. A ridiculous thing at a deeper level might play a stabilizing function we are not aware of.
Politeness (n.) is an enigmatic status where we mean neither seriously nor ironically what we say. The polite exchange establishes a pact between us.
Politeness (n.) is an interpassive activity whereby we accomplish a task concerning our inner feelings and beliefs without really mobilizing these inner states. When we say 'glad to see you! How are you today'' It is clear to both of us that, in a way, I do not mean it seriously, but on a deeper level we would mean it if we bothered to think about it.
Politeness's (n.) function is to establish a pact between the two of us. It would in fact be odd if I really 'meant' it when I said "glad to see you, how are you today'?
Politeness (n.) in Glad to see you is not meant in the serious sense the Freudian joke mocks, Why say you are glad to see me when you really are, and yet it is not simple hypocrisy, because the exchange makes a pact.