What is a good alternative when someone sneezes besides saying "bless you" or Geishuntight"?

Question

I live in a very christian place and people here always say "bless you" when someone sneezes. They look at me wierd if they sneeze and I don't say anything, so lately I've been saying "Geishuntight," but these people don't even know what that means, and when I explain, they think I'm from Germany. (The people here are freakin' stupid.) So does anyone have a good alternative? I was thinking of "Blessed Be" but would like to know more options.

Thanks

Answer 1

I had a very strange experience once when I said that and this women read me the riot act.  Now I just say "SALUTE" or nothing at all.  If they want their blessings they can pray for it....

Answer 2

Move.

Answer 3

It's Gesundheit, which literally means health.

Bless you, excuse you.

Answer 4

Saying bless you when you sneeze came from an old superstition. A long time ago they use to believe your soul left your body when you sneezed so the said bless you so the devil wouldn't grab it.

Answer 5

Why are you not saying anything?  It seems by your description that they are more offended by your silence than by the usual response of "Bless you."  Would you rather RANK the sneeze instead?

"WHOA!  That was a HUGE one!  I'll give it a 9.5!"

Maybe a few comforting words might be what you would like to share...

"Oh MY!  Are you ALRIGHT?"

or

"Oh dear!  I hope that didn't hurt too much!"

But "blessed be" sounds very awkward.  Best to stick with the traditional sometimes, and maybe this is one of them.

Have a polite day.

Answer 6

excuse you

Answer 7

In all honesty, you should just say bless you. It's polite and doesn't draw too much unnecessary attention. Is there a true need for an alternative? Just because you say bless you doesn't mean you have to be Christian if that's what you're worried about; it is more implied that you are when you say God bless you. People usually take "Geishuntight" as a joke from where I live.

Hope this helps.

Answer 8

If you work with kids you will find yourself saying "do that into your sleeve next time!"

But seriously, "bless you" has become sort of its own thing, and you don't have to believe in God or even blessings to say it.  It's just an accepted acknowledgement that's part of our culture.  You'll attract a lot of attention with "blessed be" I would think, and not the right kind!  And you needn't say "bless you" to total strangers in public if you don't feel comfortable doing it.  That should avoid you getting read the riot act by someone you don't know.