Questions:
Do you take offense at turns of phrase, such as....
"Bless your heart" (in the sense that a person feels bad about something you're dealing with, not the sense that they are calling you dumb)
"Good lord! (In a fit of frustration)
"Jesus fucking christ!" (Frustration, naturally)
"Oh my god." (In the throws of passion... or frustration.... take your pick)
"Bless you." (when someone sneezes)
I think it's interesting when atheists take offense at turns of phrase. I cannot relate. I have no interest in changing someone's vernacular. Acceptance of people's quirks, makes for a much easier and satisfying life. Their turns of phrase have no bearing on me. To each their own. Most especially in a relationship with a fellow atheist. They are just turns of phrase that became common place, as leftovers from former religious adherence as a child, no doubt. Feeling the need to criticize your partner, and be critical of it, seems extreme. The phrases do not imply belief in the magic fairy in the sky.
Where i live, if I took offense to phrases like those, I'd be offended all the damn time.
Isn't that the truth.
Life is too short to be offended by such trivial things.
I say jesus fucking christ when i drive. A lot. Loudly. : /
exactly!
I am guilty of saying some of these. We went to pick up pizza for dinner this evening and the lady at the restaurant told us to "have a blessed day." If I were offended by it I would spend the majority of my time offended. It isn't worth it.
I still say some of those things. Not because I believe but more out of habit. I do say “bless your heart” but as a “your dumb” type of way. My favorite is “god fucking damnit!”
I can’t stand when someone says “have a blessed day” though. Had a nurse leave an appoint reminder message and closed with “have a blessed day”. My first thought was “how unprofessional”. I guess I’m a religious word snob. Some is acceptable but some infringes on my personal views and how dare anyone force their religious blessings on me.
While it's unprofessional in business, I wouldn' really get offended. I would feel a little insulted that they assume I'm glad to be "blessed"
I still say some of those things. Not because I believe but more out of habit. I do say “bless your heart” but as a “your dumb” type of way. My favorite is “god fucking damnit!”
I can’t stand when someone says “have a blessed day” though. Had a nurse leave an appoint reminder message and closed with “have a blessed day”. My first thought was “how unprofessional”. I guess I’m a religious word snob. Some is acceptable but some infringes on my personal views and how dare anyone force their religious blessings on me.
I still say some of those things too out of habit. But I think when I do, I'm contributing to the perpetuation of religious myth. These common phrases show how Christianity co-opts everything!
I think I should instead say, "Oh my Zeus!" or "Thank you, Flying Spaghetti Monster!"
P.S. I love your handle, Helion. Very witty!
Not really as you would always be annoyed and its often just said without thinking being so much part of who we are and have been so long like it or not.
It doesn't bother me. These phrases are ingrained in our culture. I do make a point of saying "gesundheit" when someone sneezes. The sentiment of "god bless you" goes back at least to Mycaenean times and a phrased was invoked (and I'm not sure about this, but presumably) Hades, the god of the underworld. It was believed that when one sneezed, the psyche left the body, and thereby invoking the god of the dead would restore you.
Gesundheit is wonderful because not only is it an amazing word that is fun to say.., it just means “health”. Hard to conflate that with a diety.
I have no control over the actions of others.
I only have control over my actions.
@nutrition_nerd more than that. Why take umbrage when someone wishes you well? No matter the words used?
thumbs-up
"Awesome ! Need all the help I can get ! Got any money ?"
Which is also pretty effective at running them off quick.
I do not get offense in the meaningless comments, such as Bless you, but I want to ask them who are they to bless me?
I just respond with " if you must", get some really awkward looks
I try to take things in the context they are intended, and I don't look for offense. Life is too darn short.