I said "bless you" to a co-worker who sneezed. Unfortunately, she proceeded to sneeze 12 times in a row and I didn't know if I should say "bless you" after each sneeze or wait until she finished?
2007-07-18 16:40:41 · 13 answers · asked by JD 4 in Society & Culture ➔ Etiquette
My colleague sometimes has a bout of hay fever, when that happens I'll say 'bless you' a couple times, then if she keeps on I'll make a little quip about it like "bless you, bless you, bless you, & for the next fifteen times too" But we get along pretty well, I'm not sure a stranger would be okay with that... they might think you're making fun of their distress! I think it all depends on the relationship you have with the person.
2007-07-19 10:31:58 · answer #1 · answered by Sheriam 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Lol...I would be mad if someone blessed me 12 times in a row!
I think it's appropriate after the first sneeze, and then again after the sneezing fit is over.
2007-07-18 23:49:28 · answer #2 · answered by pony girl 2009 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
One "bless you" is enough. I would have asked her if she needed a tissue while sneezing so many times. Do you know what made her sneeze?
2007-07-18 23:57:58 · answer #3 · answered by bin there dun that 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Wait til they are completely done sneezing and say it once at the end
2007-07-18 23:49:48 · answer #4 · answered by MARK M 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I usually lose enthusiasm after the first couple of bless-yous. If they are a complete stranger just standing near me on a line I say only one.
2007-07-18 23:46:05 · answer #5 · answered by Rich Z 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Actually, none. It's improper to say anything at all.
Sneezing is a natural act and by no means you should interrupt anything to say bless you. For example, at a dinner table, you just have to pretend it didn't happen and by no means apologize. It's not apropiate to interrupt the conversation for that.
2007-07-19 17:44:06 · answer #6 · answered by mackenzie 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
DOH! If you waited for my wife to finish sneezing, you'd be a year older...Just say it when you hear it and once is enough, after that, it's the sneezer's thang.
2007-07-19 00:10:51 · answer #7 · answered by Guinness 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I personally think its extremely irritating to sneeze and everyone say "bless you". because then i have to thank them, and the whole process is annoying.
2007-07-19 00:18:32 · answer #8 · answered by shadowboxer78 2 · 1⤊ 1⤋
The established custom in my country is 24.
2007-07-18 23:57:33 · answer #9 · answered by Top Contributor 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
say it after each sneeze
2007-07-18 23:56:11 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋