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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.

nutrition_nerd 7 May 1
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55 comments

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2

It doesn't bother me at all when others use religious phrases...

0

No, and I even say some of them.

MsAl Level 8 May 1, 2018
3

Where i live, if I took offense to phrases like those, I'd be offended all the damn time. 🙂

Deb57 Level 8 May 1, 2018

Isn't that the truth.

3

I use some of these (or variations, like Jesus H Tits) myself. I have taken to saying the less metaphysical Gesudheit when someone sneezes, but it doesn't offend me in the least. And here in NC, "bless your heart" almost never has a sympathetic meaning.

3

Life is too short to be offended by such trivial things.

4

I occasionally voice, "Jesus Fucking Christ," and "Goddamn," but use secular profanity a lot more.

JimG Level 8 May 1, 2018
6

I say jesus fucking christ when i drive. A lot. Loudly. : /

exactly! 🙂

4

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.

3

Take offense is too strong wording but I do notice.

One you didn't mention is Special. I was told of a bumper sticker that was apparently popular at BYU -- I'd rather be dead than Special.
I do notice such things a little. I have to admit.

3

I do not take offense; they are offering a kindness (from their world view) so why should I object? There are better ways to expend my energies.

1

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"

5

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! 😀

4

they are just making a polite (to them) noise. I just blow it off.

0

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.

1

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.

RichE Level 5 May 1, 2018

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.

3

No

Eray Level 3 May 1, 2018
0

Phrases such as that do not bother me.

4

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?

1

thumbs-up
"Awesome ! Need all the help I can get ! Got any money ?"
Which is also pretty effective at running them off quick.

0

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

3

I try to take things in the context they are intended, and I don't look for offense. Life is too darn short.

0

I live in the South. I say "bless your heart" all the time. It's often a way of telling someone to fuck off, when in polite company.

2

I don’t “take offense”, but those phrases don’t have to be the norm either

0

I agree. I have sometimes used a few myself, such as "Bless you". It is just an expression of good wishes and friendliness. I see no harm in these phrases. I look at the intention, not the words.

0

Granted, not to be taken so seriously

It's more the attitude behind them.

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