Hiya friends! When we moved to the UK I had trouble adjusting to the ‘Hiya, you alright?’ greeting. In the beginning, I did not understand what they were saying. Then, I got used to it, and whenever someone asked me “You alright?” all I wanted to do was to just talk about everything that was not alright with me.
I agree, it’s an informal greeting and all they expect is a ‘Yes, You?’ in return. But the question ‘Are you alright?’ always wanted me to unload on to the questioner all those troubles that I was bothered with.
It was not a bother to me adapt to the “How are you?” “I am good” settings in the US. Of course, it was strange at first when a stranger who passed by smiled and asked “How are you?” But I could easily accept it as a nice gesture and moved on without a second thought.
I guess, “How are you?” is much more casual to me than “You alright?” ‘You alright’ reek of concern for the other person, at least for me.
Now that I have bored you with all these, here is a post, How To Have The Perfect Matrimonial Profile- FOR MEN…. a delightful, drenched in humor, laughing riot of a post, by Red Handed. Now, this post is not that old but I couldn’t help sharing it. I might not be able to dump my troubles on someone who accidently asks me, ‘You alright?’ But I can always stop by The Red Handed to laugh my heart out and lighten my head.
Ain’t I right?
I agree there! “You alright?” question is troublesome especially if you actually bear some worry in your heart. I feel that is a more intimate or personal question.
I will head over to Red Handed now 🙂 Thanks for sharing!
Yeah, I know! Thanks Shalini. 🙂
When I moved to UK, the question that I encountered was – Are you Ok? And I would wonder why do people just ask about being ok and not anything else. Then I settled for that they have modest expectations from the other person.
🙂 It is confusing at times. 🙂
hahahhaha!!!
And if u see in US, those who actually ask ” U alright?” really ask because u probably don’t look so happy to them and they are concerned.
Mannerisms!
Hiya, Vini, you alright? 🙂 I really hope you are, dear! And, if you do feel the need to unburden your troubles, do it right away! <3
And, yes, I agree with you. Red Handed is one place you will never leave with a heavy heart.
Hahaha…i can’t agree more with you. I am in US, so used to the nicer version; but the other one sounds concerning to me too.
Interesting as I think “You alright?” is and sounds more casual than “How are you?” Though I could be wrong! 😉 By the way, how are you Vinitha? Are you alright? (Couldn’t resist!) 😉 <3
🙂 I’m doing much well now, Elly. How have you been?
I wasn’t actually expecting an answer Vinitha! I was playing with your blog post and the phrases, “How are you?” and “You alright?” 😉 However, if you expect an answer from me, I’m great and have been having a lot of fun so far this summer. (If you read my latest Sunday gratitude posts, you’ll find out why.) 😉 <3
Greetings can be confusing at times. I bet they’d be just as stumped if you did take their query as an invitation to off load your troubles.
Hey, guess the change in social mores and culture take us quite some time but it’s always awesome for such experience. Red Handed is awesome and will soon hop on to her post:)
You got me there. I was in that foren land for good 3 years. One year in London, which is extremely ‘proper’ with it’s pleasantries and requests, such as- “Can I please have a glass of ‘woh-ter’ please” to cockney Welsh-English of Cardiff, Wales.. All-in-all, I loved your post!
Hahaha..yeah I agree. ‘You Alright?’ does indicate concern and is way more personal than the casual ‘How are you?’. Not something that you expect sharing with a virtual stranger. 😛
Hey hi Vinitha! I’ve spent a few years in the UK and I can completely relate to what you are saying..Glad to have stumbled upon your blog 🙂
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