I tell them that, first and foremost, I am grateful and humbled. Then I proceed to let them no, that the I is the closest to any deity that I've yet encountered. If you feel some kind of way about the word, and it doesn't apply to you, then why bother?

What if instead of saying they're blessed they said instead they're grateful for what they have and the good fortune they've received?

It's my impression that many "believers in gods" take themselves as such. That is, their identity becomes so close to god-like as to be indistinguishable. "Us vs. them"... is a huge part of the attraction of religious affiliation. IMO this is a tremendous western influence, resulting in a decided trend/mentality in the west (vs. oriental cultures)... the damnation of individuals, need to "kiss up" to the trilogy.

I suppose if you accept that blessings can be bestowed by a deity, it makes more sense to consider yourself blessed than simply lucky.

perhaps your taking the I'm blessed too personally. really what they chose to believe is no one's business. just enjoy your beliefs as I enjoy mine which happens to be the same.