At my work, I started saying "good luck" when someone sneezes. I'm happy that its caught on! I have no problem saying "bless you" or "gesundheit" (I'm half German after all,) but am wondering what other people say, if anything, (which I sometimes say nothing.)
Never say bless you and find it repulsive especially near me and even worse if it's not inhibited.
I like looking people in the eye and, with a straight face, tell them they're going to die of an anurism............................. Nah! I usually say nothing or Gesundheit. Gesundheit just means you're wishing them good health so I see no harm in it.
I say nothing at all and loathe when someone says "god bless you" to me. "Gesundheit" is acceptable if you must say something and "wow" is okay and a little phunny if I sneeze more than three times. If I'm in a mood, I'll give them the history behind their superstition in a very condescending way.
I just say bless you. No God included or needed. Satisfies both people's views I guess. Just like with the thread on saying grace at dinner. I'm willing to go along with the idiocy because I'm secure enough in my view on the subject while pleasing those around me. If it gives them comfort then so be it. It would be different if it's something more extreme, but I don't see the need to cause conflict with such trivial things.
some ignorant humans thought a sneeze was the soul leaving the body and it supposedly couldnt return unless the body was first cleansed with a blessing. i usually say bless you and offer that story
Ancient (war time) UK Version.
Coughs and sneezes spread diseases.