All ok?

Hi...Hello...All okay? All fine?

These are the most common lines used these days when people meet each other. They’re the easiest way to start a conversation, and the other person generally responds with, “Yeah, all okay,” or “All good.”

But have you ever wondered—is everything really always okay or fine with people? Most of us have our share of days and moments when we feel low, when nothing seems to be going right. I myself have had days when someone asked, “Is everything okay?” and I wished I could scream, “No, nothing is okay but I’m sailing through. I’m finding my way out.” Instead just replied ya ya all good. That simple question can feel burdensome—like someone unknowingly touching a hidden wound. Still, we try to cover up the situation in the best possible way and pretend everything is fine. I’m sure many of us have felt the same at some point in life.Not everyone has the luxury of pausing to soak in the feeling of “not okay” and waiting for things to improve. Often, we have to face the situation head-on and make every possible effort to bring things back to normal.

So then, why even ask the question? Why the formality?

At times, yes, it may be just a formality, with the questioner totally disinterested in the reply. But sometimes, it’s not. Sometimes, it’s a genuine expression of concern—a way of saying, “I care, and I’m here if you need anything.” One may not always be able to help with a solution, but emotionally or mentally, we can still be a source of strength and motivation. Sometimes, just sharing can lead to clarity, comfort, or even a solution.It may bring about some information which was known..You never know what one person can offer to another.

To quote a few instances once I met an acquaintance in the elevator while she was taking her kids to play in the garden. She looked quite troubled. When I asked, “All okay?” she immediately opened up about how difficult it had become to manage house chores along with office work, especially with no house help to look after the kids. Fortunately, I knew someone who was looking for a job as a nanny, and I connected them.

In another instance, a friend casually asked another, “All okay?” She shared how she was struggling to find a suitable job. That simple conversation led to her being connected with someone’s husband who worked in HR—and eventually, it helped her land a job.

A family was struggling to find out proper doctor with correct diagnosis for elderly persons prolonged illness. Just a casual conversation of daughter in law with old colleague connected them to proper healer.

So, the point is a question and reply may not always be just a formality—they can actually lead to something productive. Sometimes, sharing is the first step to finding a solution. Keeping an open mind always helps.

It’s almost like wishing people on their birthdays on social media. We wish people we hardly meet but know. Some may do it just because the notification pops up, but for many, it’s a genuine way to spread happiness and send good wishes. The intention is to make the other person feel good, to bring them joy.

When we greet a friend with “Good morning” or “Jai Shree Krishna,” the intent is to stay connected in a positive way and to wish that their day is joyful and productive—with the Lord’s blessings.

With this understanding, questions like *“Kay kasa? Kay bara ahe ka?”* or *“Sab badhiya?”* or *“Kem cho? Majama ne?”* or even *“All okay?”* and *“All good?”* can become more than just a formality. They can become genuine conversation starters—opportunities for connection, support, and sometimes, even change.