Saying 'bless you' after someone sneezes is a common reflex, but a recent Reddit thread reveals that many people find it 'incredibly annoying.' The phrase, rooted in pre-modern medicine as a prayer for protection against sickness, is now sparking debate about its relevance and politeness.
Why some people dislike 'bless you'
On a Reddit thread asking 'What polite habit do you secretly find incredibly annoying?', several users expressed frustration with the phrase. One user, @mundan_prize_3894, said: 'I hate when people say bless you to my sneezes. Now I’m obligated to say thank you; just let me sneeze in peace!' Another, @_whatsinaname, wrote: 'I just want to sneeze and not have people acknowledge my bodily function.'
Actor Paul Mescal also voiced his disapproval in an interview, saying: 'It is actually just a waste of time. I never say bless you. Think about how weird that is. It’s very religious… I think we shouldn’t be doing that anymore.'
Therapist and etiquette expert weigh in
Therapist Candace Newton explains that a 'bless you' can highlight something the sneezer would rather have ignored. 'Sneezing makes a person lose control for a second. The body suddenly does something loud, everybody hears it, and there is no graceful way to stop it,' she says. 'Most people try to recover quickly by covering their face, looking down, and continuing with whatever they were doing. Then, somebody says bless you and confirms that the moment did not go unnoticed.'
Newton adds that the religious connotations may not be appreciated by everyone. 'Many people use it without thinking about religion at all, but others hear the words more literally. They may not want a stranger bringing faith into an interaction involving their body,' she says. 'If you like saying bless you, say it once and move on. Do not wait for a thank you or repeat it after every sneeze.'
Etiquette expert Laura Windsor, however, disagrees with those who find the phrase annoying. 'Why would they think it’s rude or not polite?' she asks. 'It’s an acknowledgement of your sneeze — it’s giving you attention and respect.' Windsor believes that getting irked by this is an indication of a 'very negative mindset.' 'People who are constantly offended by everything are always looking to disapprove of things and are basically emotionally unintelligent and fail to see beyond themselves,' she says.
Windsor advises that while 'the manners police aren’t out to fine you,' if you don’t say the phrase, it is good practice and shouldn’t be taken as a chore or a discourtesy.
