If you run into a friend or acquaintance and they say they are fine, but they don't look "fine," how do you dig deeper to find out if they are actually ok?
Communicating with American people can be tricky sometimes because they will rarely tell you right away what is going on.
Often you have to know the right way to ask to get more information without invading their privacy too much.
You also have to watch out for nonverbal signals to know when you have gone too far with your questions and should back off.
Learn 3 ways to ask if someone is ok today.
#1) "You're not acting like yourself. Is something going on?"
This means that the person is not acting the way that they usually act. If someone is normally very bubbly (friendly) and energetic, but on this occasion they are quiet, you might say this to them.
Other ways to say this:
- "You don't seem like yourself today. What's up?"
- "You seem different today. Is anything going on?"
#2) "Are you sure everything is ok?"
You would use this phrase after someone has already said, "I'm fine, everything is ok."
Other ways to say this:
- "Are you sure there is nothing going on?"
- "Are you sure that nothing is up?"
#3) "If you ever want to talk, I'm here for you."
To "be here for someone" means that you are available for them. It means that you are willing to listen if and when they want to talk about what's happening in their lives.
- "I'm happy to listen if you ever want to talk."
- "I'm around anytime you need me, just let me know."
Click the button below to practice these phrases with a native English speaker!
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