You alright?
By Toni
@toniganzon (72281)
Philippines
August 13, 2012 9:31pm CST
Just something that i noticed among people. Why do they ask this question when they already knew that we are definitely not alright?
Like for example, a friend saw me tripped and fell down and she goes, you okay? Another thing, a wife is crying and devastated and the husband goes, you alright?
You got any bright ideas why people ask this question when they obviously know we are not alright?
I got my own view but I just want to hear what's yours and why we can't control asking this.
So, are you ok?
8 responses
@SIMPLYD (90722)
• Philippines
14 Aug 12
I guess that became an expression of people. Though, you are correct , Toni.
When we see someone crying , it's really impertinent to be asking if she's okay. However, for those who met an accident, i think it's okay, because it's just an assurance that they are okay already, because if they are not , a solution will be sought.
1 person likes this
@toniganzon (72281)
• Philippines
14 Aug 12
An expression that has become a habit for everyone it's just too difficult to change. We could say, need any help instead of you ok. 
@toniganzon (72281)
• Philippines
16 Aug 12
I totally agree. Who would want to admit that they're not ok and that they just found out their husband is cheating on them? Who would wan to admit they were stupid they tripped and fell?
So I think the most encouraging word to say is, it would be ok.
@neildc (17239)
• Lapu-Lapu City, Philippines
6 Sep 12
i too would ask the same question if i see a guy fell down. but i have tried so much not to even laugh at him. 
seriously, i also have no idea why. instead i guess, it could be, "does it hurt?"
seriously, i also have no idea why. instead i guess, it could be, "does it hurt?"
@neildc (17239)
• Lapu-Lapu City, Philippines
7 Sep 12
oh yeah toni, i guess that would be better, offer them help.
@toniganzon (72281)
• Philippines
6 Sep 12
If we ask if it hurts, maybe we'll get a smirk back. It's already obvious that it hurts. Maybe we can offer help by saying, need any help?
@winter0302 (6)
• China
14 Aug 12
I think it's just a kind way to show concern.People tend to good condition,so when there happen something ,they care and want there is not anything bad occur.Of course,they ask the condition first,this also means he can apply some help if need.
It's a warm respond.I am fine,and you?
1 person likes this
@toniganzon (72281)
• Philippines
14 Aug 12
Yeah i understand what you mean.
But think of this, when we see people get hurt, we obviously know they're not ok right? But why do we still ask that question? Can't we just start off with: you need help?
@jellsiguenza (147)
• Philippines
14 Aug 12
Sometimes people just don't know how to start the conversation especially when the person you want to talk to needs comforting words. People usually ask that question first, then she will comfort the person. A person asked that question simply to start a conversation regarding the problem. Or sometimes they just wanted to know first if the person wanted to talk about the problem.
1 person likes this
@toniganzon (72281)
• Philippines
14 Aug 12
A conversation starter, it is sometimes. But when we somebody get hurt shouldn't we say, can i help you or you need help?
But I guess we all get used to just saying you ok as a basic expression to start off a conversation.
@enjoythejourney (524)
• United States
14 Aug 12
I think they do it as a lead question? Instead of asking do you need help, or how can I help you they ask you alright? The you alright is just in case you are just having a bad day and want to be left along.
Just my humble two cents.
1 person likes this
@toniganzon (72281)
• Philippines
14 Aug 12
Shouldn't they start with, anything i can do to help you? Or to rephrase it maybe we should say, need any help?
But I guess people, including me, got accustomed to you ok.
Thanks for your input.
@hsofyan (3446)
• Jakarta, Indonesia
15 Aug 12
It is a hope in the form of a question.
Are you okay with my answer?
@Juliyan23 (600)
• Indonesia
16 Aug 12
maybe the question was reffered to something else - like "anything you wanna share with me?" or "Do you need some helps ?"
@toniganzon (72281)
• Philippines
17 Aug 12
So why don't we use those questions instead of you alright?
@Juliyan23 (600)
• Indonesia
17 Aug 12
maybe it's still awkward to offer some certain helps to certain people.
if you aren't comfortable with the question , you should just tell them why they asked that question eventhough it's obviously seen you are not alright at all.
Some others maybe said that just to give you a reaction mannerly - a formality hospitable.
But as I said - maybe :)
