DEAR MISS MANNERS: What is the proper response when an atheist sneezes, instead of “God bless you”? What about people you don’t know? I had a lady give me a hard time when she sneezed and I didn’t say “bless you.”

GENTLE READER: You could try saying “gesundheit,” but then by your logic, someone might think you were German.

Miss Manners suggests that you try to be less literal about an admittedly nonsensical convention. And if you leave out the God part, consider that no one said it has to be his blessing — only a considerate human’s.

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