[jonknee]

In the context of this article I believe the author would say you shouldn't ask because if you don't want to hear the answer you are not being honest/authentic.

On the flip side being honest doesn't mean having to detail everything good or bad in ones life, but if things really are not fine it means saying so. "I have been better actually, but it's a new week and I'm ready to turn the page."

You might actually learn a thing or two about someone that way!