Use 'happen to' to describe events that directly impact a person or thing.

Affected Directly

"Happen to" often implies an event that is unplanned or accidental.

Not Planned

Using 'happen to' can imply that no one is to blame for the event.

Use it to show concern or curiosity in a polite way when asking about someone/something.

Implies a change has occurred, often unexpectedly, to someone or something.

It expresses real curiosity, as opposed to being rhetorical or making an indirect comment.