Dear Queenie,
Is it really necessary to say “Bless you” when someone sneezes? I think it’s so old-fashioned!
Queenie, is it rude not to say it?—Ah-choo Etty Ket
Dear Etty Ket,
Many centuries ago people believed that a person’s soul left their body for a moment when they sneezed and saying “God bless you” would keep the devil from snatching it. I do not think anyone believes that anymore, but it is still considered polite to say “Bless you” or something like it when someone sneezes.
