Are you okay?

Oh I just love the British style of the English Language. It’s so much fun! I remember one of my friends telling me they ask “are you okay”, in a casual sort of way. Yet, still- every time someone asks I feel as though they are very concerned. My first encounter with it came from one of the lovely cleaning women. She had a very thick accent and said to me as I walked out in the morning, “You okay luv?” and I was very confused and said “ yea. Yea, I’m totally fine…” in a sort of quick and awkward way. She and the other lady began to laugh uproariously as I felt the blood rush to my cheeks and I hurried out the door.
Then- it was everywhere! People are constantly asking “are you okay?” or “are you alright?” Even though it’s “casual” it always sounds to me like they are very concerned for my well-being. I have probably heard it about 50 times since I’ve been here and even though my gut reaction is still to assure them that I am perfectly well and ask “why- do I not look okay?” I have somehow managed to usually respond with a “fine- and you?” Some of the girls on my hall are especially accommodating and have taken to asking “How are you?” like we Americans do. J
It’s so much fun to learn to start to use the sort of slang that they do. I’ve already adopted “brill” into my vocabulary. I like that one a lot “brilliant” and “brill” are both very fun! They say “ace” and “mint” as well all meaning cool or neat. There are so many funny little differences I will have to write more later. The “are you okay?” one has just been the hardest one to get past. Every time! They like it of course, and think I’m silly and weird when I am like “yea? What why? Are YOU okay? Is everything alright? Ladeda.” But I am sure that I will soon grow accustomed to it and return to you all asking if you’re okay.

Oh – on a side note- Christian reminded me to remind you that sending mail here costs … oh no… I think it’s 94 cents maybe 95… But if you send me mail I will send you mail!