How to reply to “bless you” after a sneeze

[HareOverThere]

What’s a suitable reply to “bless you” when you sneeze, that won’t kill a fairy but doesn’t sound weird?

That’s why they died out in the UK.

My son went through a very irritating phase of saying 'Pre-emptive bless you' when a sneeze was forming!

Fairies don't exist and even if they did why would they be offended by 'thank you' (two separate words by the way). Makes no sense. If I was a fairy or a fae I would be more ignored by crap spelling. If I was a fairy/fae; which I am not.

Never heard about fairies. Just understood that people were hoping you weren’t coming down with an illness by saying ‘bless you’.

Thank you.

Weird that you have to ask ….

I’d rather have an alternative if just to stop the hesitation and guilt when I say it.
The brownie clapping might look odd and cheers probably still has the same effect.
The wave like I’m going to sneeze again might be a good idea.

I have never heard about fairies dying and I usually say thank you after "bless you". The expression originates from the plague where sneezing was often the first symptom. Those nearby would say "bless you" as they assumed you would soon succumb and die. And then presumably they'd scurry away as fast as their little legs could carry them.

It comes from the plague from 'God Bless You' doesn't it?

I think that sun fairies die whenever anyone moans about heat. Mumsnet has killed then all.

I have never heard this. Why would fairies die just because people are polite?

I’ve absolutely no idea why or how it kills the fairy, or how they’ve not all died out by now, maybe there’s something else that gets said in another situation that revives one.
I just hoped there’d be a simple alternative response that no-one would raise an eyebrow at.

I hold my sneezes in so no-one blesses me as they don’t notice.

I’ve never heard the fairy thing. It’s even sillier than the ‘bless you’ thing.

I thought all our fairies were driven out when we started using iron?
Bitey little feckers.
I may be mixing up folklore and movies there.

I’ve never heard about fairies, I heard it was your soul flying out of your mouth. The correct response is thanks!

It’s not a religious thing, it’s a folklore thing. Nobody believes your “soul” (if it even exists) is actually flying out of your mouth!

How to reply to “bless you” after a sneeze

Take both hands of the blesser in your own hands, look them very directly in the eyes and say May the Lord bless you too, my child. Keep hold of their hands for two seconds longer than is comfortable and smile creepily.

Well I don't know about that, but anyone who's ever been to see a Peter Pan panto knows that clapping and saying 'I believe in fairies' brings a fairy back to life.😁

This could be the one, there doesn’t seem to be an easier way.

I thought the fairy died if someone didn't say bless you.

I've been blessing myself for years, childhood ruined. 😟

We now say in our house " May the Lord Open"😂

Even better if you've just sneezed into your hands.

Well this explains why everyone at work thinks im so weird.

"Amen" is my response to "bless you". Its so ingrained in me that I don't even process it. Im not from a religious household.

Under his Eye

We've been blessed with good weather

@SleepingStandingUp now you’ve made me think of David Bowie in those tight trousers in the film.

Grab them by the ears and headbutt them? Or just say thank you, maybe?