So what the hell is a "blessed day"?

[Phentex]

I am being ignored elsewhere.

Why would anyone say this to me after a business phone call? Are they or are they not referring to something holy or religious with this phrase?

Trust me, I wouldn't be outraged if it happened. Probably roll my eyes or something. I just don't know WHY this would be acceptable.

[Book Lover]

1. Depending on their location it may be a common phrase

that has crept into ordinary parlance. That's the most charitable I can be today.

[Az]

2. It's a compliment from a sheltered believer

Its a bit odd as it seems to be a bit pagan. "Blessed be" being their primary complimentary appelation.

In a nutshell it is presumptive and dismissive. But likely not maliciously so. And that is the problem. It would be nice if they were conscious of the slight they present. But instead they steam roll right over other's beliefs and nonbeliefs in total ignorance.

Best response? "And may reason be with you."

[Shell Beau]

3. Some people just say it. It does usually have

religious connotations, but I assure you no one means to be offensive when saying it. In fact, they are usually just being polite.

[Az]

4. Oh, I have had people say it deliberately to poke at me

But I agree. Barring a heated religious debate preceding it, it is usually not meant to be offensive.

[Shell Beau]

5. Well those people are probably assholes.

I don't say it to anyone! I'll say have a nice day. That is what most people say. But what about when people say bless you when you sneeze?

Mmm Bop!! :P

[Az]

6. I reply

Sorry... That doesn't work on me. (if I know them somewhat).

Personally I prefer the atheist "Sneeze acknowledged".

[Goblinmonger]

11. That's awesome

I think I'll use that from now on.

[onager]

7. Currently being blessed in Muslim prayers...

:scared:

Heh! Not really scared. But working in a 90% Islamic nation, most of the local folks I work with are Muslim.

As they went into the Prayer Room today, one guy said they would be "praying I would join them."

This is fairly ambiguous. I may be stationed in Alexandria for a long-term assignment, so that COULD mean "we hope you will be joining us to work together."

Or it could also mean: "We are hoping you will join us and become a Muslim."

No offense, guys, but not bloody likely. I didn't escape the clutches of a first-century Xian superstition to replace it with a slightly modified seventh-century superstition...

And I may have inadvertently triggered some Conversion Hopes. One of the Egyptians asked this morning if I wanted tea or coffee.

I told him no, I wouldn't feel right swilling coffee while they are observing Ramadan and can't drink or eat all day.

He seemed confused and said: "Ramadan is only for us, not for you!"

Still, I told him I would feel VERY uncomfortable doing stuff my hosts could not do. So no Private Infidel Coffee Service, thanks very much.

This seemed like a Big Deal to them, but I don't know why. To my atheistic self, it just seems like good manners.

[muriel_volestrangler]

8. Just a reminder - 'goodbye'

is a contraction of 'God be with you'. They got to the parting phrases a long time ago. You could try saying 'farewell', but ironically that makes you sound as if you still use the English in the King James Bible.

[NMMNG]

9. I live on the border of the Bible Belt

I hear that quite frequently around here, where many of the people tote bibles around in their handbags. They say it to end conversations and it's on their answering machines. I just grit my teeth and try not to roll my eyes until the person has turned away from me (if they are there in person).

[Phentex]

13. I'm in the bible belt but I suppose it's a little more PC

than some places.

My MIL was *so* offended last year when she was told to Have a Happy Holiday by a store clerk. She made a point of huffing out "MERRY Christmas!" back to them. :eyes:

[Brewman_Jax]

10. Does this mean I can wish them a "cursed day?"

just asking.

[Phentex]

12. I really wonder what they would do!

As I said, I'm not outraged by it, but I have to wonder why they think it's okay (other than traditional). Is there any way to make "Have a Cursed Day!" more common? :)