2007-03-17 08:10:34 · 7 answers · asked by BlkBlt3rd 1 in Society & Culture ➔ Etiquette
'Bless you' does have religious connotations to many, and may offend militaristic athiests or agnostics. Here are some alternatives:
After a sneeze--You can try using a similar phrase from another language, such as 'gesundheit' or 'saude.'
In response to some kindness--You may offer thanks instead of a blessing.
For general well wishing--Be specific in your blessing without calling it such. For example, "May you be happy and prosperous."
2007-03-17 08:32:05 · answer #1 · answered by Amy S 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Saying Bless you is not a bad thing unless your PC (I am anti PC) I say that because you lose etiquette and manners when you are way to PC.
I personally say it because I was brought up to have manners and has no religious meaning to me.
Blessed be
2007-03-17 15:27:28 · answer #2 · answered by CarynB 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
bless you has religious connotations, so the person who indicated that it was negative is probably an atheist. i'm an atheist myself but i still say it as a matter of politeness.
2007-03-17 15:17:47 · answer #3 · answered by toni1336 3 · 3⤊ 0⤋
no new meaning, no new phrase.this p.c. crap has gotten out of hand. i say bless you when someone sneezes b/c it is common courtesy, politeness. nothing more.i'm real sick of people taking it negatively just b/c they don't happen to believe in god.why can't those people just realize it is polite? i'm not trying to make them join my church and bite the heads off chickens.
2007-03-17 20:16:10 · answer #4 · answered by racer 51 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
you mean when you sneeze or in general?
It's a good thing. originally it was said because they believed that when you sneezed parts of your soul left your body and deamons could get in.
and generaly it's a nice thing to say not a bad thing.
2007-03-17 15:20:26 · answer #5 · answered by arctic_monarch 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Ok due to all the controversy people have upgraded the word to gesundheid. this is the german word for health and it means wishing you health.
2007-03-17 17:34:30 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
its a good thing ... unless someone is patronizing and condecending you ...
2007-03-17 15:17:28 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋