At Are You OK?, everything starts with a simple question — but one that we believe deserves a deeper answer. In this blog, our founder Gustav Gous shares more about his journey and the story behind starting Are You OK?.
It’s a reminder that “Are you OK?” should never just be a greeting. When asked with real care, it can open the door to honesty, connection, and even healing. Gustav takes us back to the moment that changed his perspective, why genuine check-ins matter, and how one small question can make a big difference.
We’ve all done it. You pass someone in the corridor or bump into them at the coffee shop, and without even thinking, you say, “Hey, are you OK?” Nine times out of ten, the reply is automatic: “I’m fine.” And the conversation moves on.
But here’s the thing — sometimes, “I’m fine” is the biggest lie we tell each other.
When I started Are You OK?, it wasn’t because I thought the world needed another wellness platform. It was because I realised we’re losing the art of truly checking in with each other.
We’ve made “How are you?” a greeting, not an invitation to share. And somewhere in the rush of life, we’ve forgotten how powerful it is to actually mean it.
Quote: “We’ve made ‘How are you?’ a greeting, not an invitation to share.”
I still remember a friend once asking me, and I mean really asking me, if I was OK. I was going through a tough time, and for the first time in weeks, I felt safe enough to say, “Actually, I’m not.”
That conversation didn’t solve all my problems, but it made me feel less alone. And sometimes, that’s enough to give someone the strength to take the next step.
Checking in isn’t about having all the answers or giving advice. It’s about showing up. It’s about putting your phone down, looking someone in the eye, and listening with your whole attention.
No fixing. No judging. Just being there.
Instead of asking “How are you?” take the small step and rephrase that question ever so slightly and ask directly: “Are you Ok?”.
If you’re not sure how to start those conversations or how to listen without feeling awkward, we’ve got you covered. Our Active Listening & Empathy in the Workplace course gives you the tools to turn a polite question into a life-changing moment.
Because “Are you OK?” should never be just a question. It should be a door you’re holding open.
Explore the course here: https://www.areyouok.co.za
