Tough Talk,
I work in a wonderful office in a small New England town. We work hard and it has paid off after several challenging years. A young woman has recently started and we work in cubicles, but can hear each other. Whenever she sneezes, I always say, “Bless you,” as I was taught that it’s rude not to do so. At first she said thanks and it was sincere and friendly, but now whenever I say it she says thanks with a long pause and a hint of annoyance. It seems like when I give a simple courtesy, she is offended and is no longer friendly – even surly. Tough Talk, should I stop saying “Bless you” after she sneezes? (Billings, New Hampshire)
Billings,
Under no circumstances should you change your normal etiquette and polite concern. Let’s gets something straight: you did nothing wrong. You expressed a normal response in that situation. Who does she think she is responding in such a manner? The next time she sneezes, you go to where she sits, say what you normally would, and stare at her with a really nasty expression and then walk away. Don’t tolerate this rudeness any longer.
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Tough Talk 