The "are you ok?" invaders

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I seem to be plagued with a constant stream of "are you ok?" invaders. Whenever I am in a public place and "zone out" or stare at something or have an individual conversation or attempt to take a nap, invasive busy bodies will feel the need to tap me on the shoulder and ask that damn annoying question.

I won't even get started on unsolicited physical contact, but the very question seems like a personal attack. I never know how to respond. Are they genuinely interested in a complete rundown of my physical and mental state? Do they want to know if my bowels are running regularly and if the plantar's wart on my foot is healed?

I usually just look at them and walk away quickly to find a quieter spot. How do you respond and what are your feelings regarding the situation?

Ohmygosh. Some people... they are just convinced something is wrong. Probably because they are relying on non-verbal cues. My expressions are so inaccurate... the misinformed well-wishers have stopped, rather luckily, after high school. I never know what to respond, either. I usually get pissed off, at least on the inside, though I understand they mean well....

yeah people usually assume that if someone is lying prone in public there's SOMETHING medically wrong with them.

With questions like these I try to logically derive the meaning of the sentence from the words.
This takes a long time and they ask again.
My mind cannot handle two processes at the same time that need that much thought.
I freak out inside.
My unconscious mind had its answer ready, but it is a script answer and a lie.

I can imagine how that could be very overwhelming for some, but it does make one feel better that strangers still look out for their fellow man. Some people would let you lie bleeding on the ground and be in too much of a hurry to their stylist to even call 911.

In some cases a spaced out look could be a type of seizure or even the beginning of a stroke, so that is probably why people ask if you are OK. Try not to be too bothered by it. I know it must be startling to be ripped from your musings by a tap on the shoulder. I jump sky high if someone taps me or just bumps me a little.

If I had a dime for every time someone asked "are you ok?" or told me to lift my chin up I'd own a mansion... *sigh

They are trying to be helpful to a fellow. It's a good thing, not a bad, even if in your case they are unneeded.

for me it's "smile". I hate that with a passion.

I'm laughing as I read this, because I know how annoying it can be. That is a really good idea though. Bring a 'do not disturb' sign with you, and wear a T-Shirt that says "Yes, I'm ok. Quit asking!"

The most stupid obviously unhelpful busybodies were the ones I encountered at lunchtime. I'd turn off my computer screen, fold my arms on the table, and rest my head on my arms. Then I'd zone out for a quick nap.

Some idiot would inevitably come along and exclaim "Are you asleep?" Well, duh. If I was, how was that shouty comment to wake me up helpful?

I resorted to placing a two foot sign on my screen with the word "LUNCH" on it, to ensure that it was really clear that I was not skiving. The number of shouty incidents went down, but the idiots still found it quite irresistable.