I notice that I automatically say "excuse me" after I sneeze. I am not sure with your culture but in mine, people practice this. Do you know why some people say "excuse me" after sneezing?
2007-01-20 21:34:58 · 29 answers · asked by tintin 3 in Society & Culture ➔ Etiquette
We say "excuse me..." because we are ashamed of what will people think of us if we don't apologize for doing something that looks very unpleasing to others. Try to picture this is your mind, you sneezed although you tried to stop it. And you sneezed inside a board room where your company's executive is talking. Will you not say sorry? If you feel sorry for saying sorry co'z you've done somthing that you don't want to happen then say excuse me.. then go away and return some other time when you are ready to be teased...
2007-01-20 21:50:58 · answer #1 · answered by paoloudarbe 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It's probably because you just gave the person that was closest to you a saliva and germ packed shower. And maybe a few other people also. I always thought the proper etiquette was GOD BLESS ME. If someone else doesn't say it for you. Why is everyone so afraid to let God into their life's and conversations? Why would you say excuse me? When you think about it a sneeze is a function of the body you really don't have any control over. So it's actually not your fault.
2007-01-21 00:46:42 · answer #2 · answered by Jimbobswayforme 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
ACTUALLY. When the human body sneezes, the heart beat stops for a split second. Thus why humans normaly say "God Bless You." And Im sure through out the years people feel saying, "GodBlessYou" is a little much and say, "Excuse me instead." Also to excuse theirselfs for the sudden interuption. This is unfortunetly a very intresting and not well known fact.
2007-01-21 03:17:12 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
If you're talking and have to stop for a sneeze or your watching
TV with someone and sneeze, you've made an interuption and excusing yourself is just being polite.
2007-01-20 23:40:52 · answer #4 · answered by ? 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I think it is out of habit to say excuse me, our culture that teaches us good manners and it to say "excuse me" after you sneeze is a good pratice..
People will usually say "Bless you" and then you respond "thank you" but if not, simply say "excuse me". You are excusing yourself for splattering germs into the air, even if you cover your mouth.
2007-01-20 21:48:49 · answer #5 · answered by Lorene 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
we shouldn't have to say "excuse me" after sneezing because its a natural thing and you can't help it, you can't always manage to stop it. that's just your body's reaction and it happens to everybody no matter who that is.
and if you sneeze in to a tissue or something then your not spreading any germs around but if you didn't get to use anything to stop your germs spreading around then that would be very shameful and I would say that I'm very sorry lol
2007-01-20 22:11:35 · answer #6 · answered by Tina 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I just think it's common practice because you're sort of discharging a lot of microbes when you sneeze which could be seen as gross. So saying excuse me could be a sign of courtesy.
2007-01-20 21:38:14 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
It's actually a fairly recent development, and I for one don't consider it an improvement. A sneeze is NOT like a belch.
2007-01-21 02:43:58 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Two things, both because you're spreading your germs around & because you're causing an interruption, which a loud sneeze usually is.
2007-01-20 21:47:47 · answer #9 · answered by Sheriam 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Maybe because the sound of sneeze is shocking many.
2007-01-20 22:57:50 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋