When someone in the office sneezes, I automatically say "God Bless You" and then feel uncomfortable. Gesundheit is just the same thing in German. Looking for suggestions to replace these habits.
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26 comments
Feel free to reply to any comment by clicking the "Reply" button.I say "stop doing that please" . It catches everyone off guard and they laugh. Of course, they know me and my sense of humor. It's always made me uncomfortable when someone says that to me. For some reason, and I don't know why, nut I take it as an insult. If I can't drop my line, the I don't say anything and I wish no one would say anything to me.
Dingodog
Level 7
Apr 21, 2018
1
Actually Gesundheit means roughly to your health. That’s what I say.
Marcie1974
Level 8
Apr 20, 2018
2
I just don't say anything if someone sneezes, no big deal. If I sneeze, I say 'excuse me' which usually runs over their 'god bless you' and we just move on
Swingdancer
Level 4
Apr 23, 2018
1
Here's an article about it.www.google.com/amp/s/www.gotquestions.org/amp/God-bless-you-sneeze.htm
You really don't need to say anything, it is a body function like coughing. Once you read the reason, it will be easier to break the habit. It is a nice thought thou, sort of like offering to pray for them. ?
ToniS
Level 2
Apr 21, 2018
0
I usually say "cover your mouth "
Sparkydog99
Level 3
Apr 21, 2018
1
Ha ha
I don't say anything, there's no reason to. It made me uncomfortable at first, but you get used to it. Then if the person sneezing gets butthurt about it, you can talk to them about living without superstition.
Mountain-Heathen
Level 5
Apr 20, 2018
1
I don't worry. To me, using that phrase in that context is just a polite thing to do and transends its religious roots so I don't feel any awkwardness. If I see something drastic I will probably say Holy Shit with the same lack of concern 
Merovingian
Level 4
Apr 20, 2018
0
Go the Italian route? "Salute!" That's what I do.
Shawno1972
Level 7
Apr 20, 2018
1
"God bless you" originated during the time of the plague.
Sneezing was a sign of a weak immune system and meant there was a probability the person would be dead soon.
"God bless you" was a way of wishing them well in the afterlife; it was almost a curse.
mcgeo52
Level 8
June 29, 2018
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