Sorry, I just thought it was quite ridiculous how sometimes there's totally pointless questions like this! I know it's out of politeness, but I think the person could quickly follow up with, "Can I help you?" or something like that at least! And sometimes, which is equally as ridiculous, the person being asked the question replies, "I'm fine." when they're in tears... what's with that? Can't we just honestly open up and say what's wrong?
2006-08-24 09:54:08 · 15 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Etiquette
We do it to break the ice in a stressful moment. It gives the other person the opportunity to say they don't want to talk without actually having to say it. The problem is a lot of people say I'm ok when they really do want to talk about it, they just want you to prod a little more so they know you are really interested. Silly, i know but its one of those things us wacky humans do.
2006-08-24 10:16:50 · answer #1 · answered by Gatorgal 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Common sense should tell you that saying "are you OK" is a polite opening to let the other person know that if they want to, they can share with you. And, if the other person says "I'm fine" it's an equally polite way of saying that they either don't want to talk about it, or they're not comfortable talking to you about it. People who really don't care if the other person is ok or not SHOULDN'T ASK.
2006-08-24 21:59:58 · answer #2 · answered by sparkleandme4yrs 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A lot of times people say it to be polite once they've noticed something is really wrong and basically hope you'll just say fine and let them off the hook. I've seen people get asked that and when they do open up and tell what's honestly bothering them, the asker really doesn't know how to respond too well to the situation.
2006-08-24 16:58:45 · answer #3 · answered by HisChamp1 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
out of pure respect I think-- we know if something isn't right -- we just give the person the chance to talk about it- or not-- obviously if the person is in a total mess in front of you and makes no attempt to hide it -they really want someone to ask and to talk to although it may take some prying alittle for them to spill it all out-- if we ask and they won't talk then you just have to overlook them and hopefully get themselves together enough to move on to another topic
2006-08-25 00:14:51 · answer #4 · answered by lilRed 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
i hate to even think about it sometimes, it depends on how i feel, it makes remember that i am not feeling o.k. anyway. it;s like when your mind is blank and someone says how are you?
so in short what the **** are you stupid of course I am not feeling o.k. or doing well at all so don't ask cause your not helping. If I thought that you really cared I would tell you, so stop making me sick don't ask
2006-08-24 19:34:10 · answer #5 · answered by Robyn W 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I don't know why we say these things. I think it's just a way to let someone know we are willing to listen if they are willing to talk. Sometimes if I'm very upset I can't tell someone or I will feel worse.
2006-08-24 17:01:35 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
it's just a polite way to help someone but the best thing we can do is act and say nothing, silence is a good thing in some cases
2006-08-24 17:08:55 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I usually ask "how are you feeling" and "do you want to talk".
Then I wait....until they decide what they want to do.
Respect whatever they decide, they may come back to tell you after a while.
You are right..."are you okay?" really isn't helpful.
2006-08-24 17:10:40 · answer #8 · answered by Kare♥Bear 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
So we wont have to say "Hahahahaha dude u just cracked open your skull...Maybe we should get an ambulance hahah...Nah"
2006-08-24 17:00:22 · answer #9 · answered by trumpetboy1333 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Out of respect just to be nice.
2006-08-24 16:56:07 · answer #10 · answered by ♥ Lips of Morphine ♥ 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋