I hope you're happier now

[Silverobama]

I wonder if native speakers would say something like the following:

I hope you're happier now.

Context: I made someone angry and after a few days I texted him hoping that he isn't angry now. Is it natural to say that?

 

[5jj]

it's grammatical, but it does other suggest that that that person had been at fault.

 

[Silverobama]

it's grammatical, but it does other suggest that that that person had been at fault.

Much appreciated, 5jj.

What can I say instead or I'd better say nothing?

 

[5jj]

If the falling out was your fault, you might consider apologising.

 

[Silverobama]

If the falling out was your fault, you might consider apologising.

It wasn't my fault, 5jj, because I didn't do anything wrong.

But apparently, it wasn't his fault either.

So, in this case, I'd better not say anything, right?

But I wonder if you can tell me what native speakers would say when they want to make sure that someone's happier. Here's one possible context: Two friends had a falling out and the one (let's say A here) who was at fault upset another who wasn't (and B here). What would A say or how would A apologize to get new conversation started?

 

[emsr2d2]

Context: I made someone angry ...

It wasn't my fault, 5jj, because I didn't do anything wrong.

Those two statements contradict each other.

 

[Silverobama]

Those two statements contradict each other.

I'm sorry. I should have said "I thought I had made someone angry" but actually "I didn't" but that person thought that I did.

 

[emsr2d2]

I'm sorry. I should have said "I thought I had made someone angry" but actually "I didn't" but that person thought that I did.

That doesn't make sense. Was he angry or wasn't he? Why did he think that it was you that had made him angry? We need more context in order to work out what you mean.

 

[5jj]

If you thoughtlessly upset someone, apologise.

If you innocently upset them, try to explain what you meant.

If you didn't upset them, stop worrying.

 

[Silverobama]

That doesn't make sense. Was he angry or wasn't he? Why did he think that it was you that had made him angry? We need more context in order to work out what you mean.

If you innocently upset them, try to explain what you meant.

I started a thread in a Chinese forum asking a question. The one who I innocently upset (Let's call him A) came and helped me. Later someone bumped that thread and many others posted there. A was questioned because others disagreed with him and then A PMed and said I was wasting their time. But I didn't waste anyone's time because I first confirmed A's efforts to help (both in that Chinese forum thread and in the PM) and second I didn't say or do or post anything inappropriate. I thought it was probably because I had made A lose face. But A has been someone who helped me for such a long time that I really didn't want to upset and also in that thread I didn't intend to upset anyone. So I thought A misunderstood me and I apologized to him and explained to him. A few days later, I PMed him and said "I hope you're happier now".

What can I say here to restart the conversation between us?

 

[5jj]

You are asking for the sort of assistance an agony aunt who understands your own culture might be able to give. We can't really help.

 

[Silverobama]

You are asking for the sort of assistance an agony aunt who understands your own culture might be able to give. We can't really help.

Hmm, how about in the following context.

My cousin failed his exam and he was sad. Two days later, I said "I hope you're happier now". Is it natural to say that?

 

[5jj]

No.

Why do you need to say anything two days later?

 

[Silverobama]

No.

Why do you need to say anything two days later?

If I asked him that question soon after he knew he had failed the exam, he would definitely be mad at me because he just failed the test. But as the old saying goes "Time heals all the wounds". I waited for two days to ask him. What can I say here if I want to ask him if he's feeling happier or better now?

Sorry for taking up much of your time but I really want to learn a language. Please ignore the culture difference here and trust me that I'm not a troll.

 

[emsr2d2]

Why on earth would he be mad at you because he failed his exam? It's his responsibility to study for an exam and, hopefully, pass it! It would make sense for him to be upset about the exam result but not for him to be angry with you as a result.

 

[Silverobama]

One last question:

I wonder if native English speakers use "feel better" to mean "happier".

Someone broke up with her boyfriend and kept crying for a few days because she loved her boyfriend deeply. A few days later, one asked: "Are you feeling better now?"

Is it a natural question?

 

[5jj]

Someone broke up with her boyfriend and kept crying for a few days because she loved her boyfriend deeply. A few days later, one a friend asked: "Are you feeling better now?"

Is it a natural question?

No.

We don't normally expect people to get over the break-up of a long-term relationship in just a few days.

 

[5jj]

Please ignore the culture difference here

That's very difficult. Most British people I know would not attempt the sort of enquiry you are considering making.