I don't WANT to 'have a blessed day', okay?

[Philosoraptor]

I'm so sick of people saying 'have a blessed day'. But then, I'm just an old crank atheist, but it sounds SOOOO condescending, even insulting, like a slap in the face. If anyone says it to me, I just say, 'happy holidays'.

[Sabriel]

1. I just noticed it said it on a Popeye's receipt

At the bottom. So I get a free "blessed day" when I buy a two-piece meal. Wheee!

I'm with you, 'raptor. It does make me grind my teeth when people presume I would even CARE to be "blessed."

[Mark E. Smith]

3. Damn.

After eating at Popeye's a divine intervention
might not be a bad thing.

[Justpat]

74. LOL n/t

[annabanana]

4. eep.. blesses.. get 'em off me, get 'em offa me!

eww.

lol.. For a two piece meal... blessings are pretty cheap aren't they.. YOu should respond with a High Church air-cross and some Latin..

[Ishoutandscream2]

58. Well, Popeye's is a subsidiary of the Catholic Church

You can't spell Popeye's without "Pope."

[JVS]

209. Popeyes = Pope yes. It's subliminal

[waiting for hope]

83. I used to work for Al Copeland -

Popeyes got sold a ton of years ago, but when he owned it, it never would have said that - it would have been more in the vein of: "Your New Secretary is always hotter than your last".

[nc4bo]

139. My favorite pre-made pastry (Anne's) also has a bible verse on the box

http://www.annesdumplings.com/dumplings.html

So does a particular brand of eggs that I can't recall the name of ;)

[greguganus]

142. There's a brand of pie at the grocer...don't remember the name...but after you eat the pie,

there are bible verses inside the pie pan.

[nc4bo]

182. After pie - you get a prize lol! No harm no foul - still, some people just are not religous

and may not appreciate the reference. OTOH, if the pie is tasty, who'd care :rofl:

[GoneOffShore]

172. Thanks for the warning about the music on that site.

Gahhh!

I'm sure the product is good, but I'll make my own. Because no one makes better pastry.

:)

[nc4bo]

180. Heh, there's music on there??!! Sorry, my volume slider is always in the down position...

seriously though - sorry.

[GoneOffShore]

183. It's okay .... At least it wasn't a Rick roll.

Neither is this . . . . . http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FZ2mJPSccvo

It's something much more insidious... But fun.

[nc4bo]

185. LOL - The Wombles! Gonna show my age here.......

I watched that and my mind immediately went to the Banana Splits :rofl:

The beat and vid of The Wombles is calmer, in fact the entire thing is "calmer" than the BS but still....

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J6I5DzMYqcU

Fond memories..

[annabanana]

2. jeez.. Where the hell ARE you raptor?

I can't imagine anyone coming out with that one, outside of church, around here.. They'd be guffawed rught out of their shoes..

[Greyhound]

5. You'll get that pretty much anyplace in the middle or lower parts of the country.

When you live on the coasts it is easy to forget or not realize how whacked out too many people are in the "real America". I don't know if they are really a majority, but there sure are a lot of them and they all feel entitled to spew on everybody else.

[Bluenorthwest]

11. I live my life on the 'coasts'

and I hear religious greetings weekly. The west coast just passed a religious based discrimination law against my people, spewing all over others. Some of the largest and most deadly of the mega chruchs are on the coasts- Rick Warren, Hutherson in WA, McClurkin, these are costals folks. If it were only the middle and lower parts of the country, I'd be fine, but it is not. It is Irvine and Seattle, it is NYC and Los Angeles.
I wholly disagree that this is contained to regions, and I see the most vitriolic of the haters coming from the coasts. They are con men, and con men go where the dollar dwells. The tens of thousands that attend mega churchs on the coasts spew like the rest of them. And they join hands with other haters to pass law against my family, while erstwhile liberals still focus on how hip the coasts are, not due to reality, but from memory. Once upon a time, the coasts were bastions of free thought. Once upon a time.

[Greyhound]

111. I didn't mean to imply that it is contained at all, and I expect this to become much more prevalent

as things get worse.

It is just much more common in the aforementioned places.

[Kalyke]

32. It's "whacked out" to send good tidings?

I don't use the phrase, but it's just a SAYING, people. It's colloquial. It means NOTHING other than "Have a nice day," or "Hope you have a good one."

God, some people on this board get their panties in a twist of the stupidest and smallest things.

[awoke_in_2003]

92. "Hope you have a good one."

I can't hear that line without an internal chuckle. A waitress once told my father that, and he said "I have a good one. I want a bigger one". Parents, you can dress them up but you can't take them out :)

[Greyhound]

110. It is code. That is it's purpose and the people who say it also say things like,

"This is a Christian nation"

"Marriage is between a man and a woman"

"Angels are watching over you"

"It was Adam and Eve, not Adam and Steve"

...and so on.

[yellerpup]

169. That's what I hear, too.

Creeps me out.

[okieinpain]

190. I don't say any of those things, but I do say "bless you" if

someone sneezes.

Is that bad?

[sybylla]

210. Depending on the person saying it, I just reply

You can bless me all you want but I'm pretty sure I'm going to hell anyway.

[Greyhound]

214. Not IMO. Bless you, following a sneeze does stem from an ancient misconception

and is simply a colloquialism. We have many of these; "goddammit" comes to mind. Rarely does the person saying really intend to call upon a deity to damn something or someone.

Have a blessed day carries an implication and direction.

[roguevalley]

119. there are worse things to receive than someone's good wishes.

[Greyhound]

121. Sure there are, never said it was the worst thing to happen.

But it is a, not so subtle, reminder that far too many people in this country would be just fine with some "benevolent theocracy".

[Zhade]

229. If it wasn't a subtle challenge that you accept their beliefs as true, you'd be right.

NT!

[WildEyedLiberal]

232. Wow, thanks for the nasty stereotype

Granted, I'm just a "whacked out" hick out here in "real America", not an erudite and enlightened coastal resident, but I've never heard ANYONE say "have a blessed day." I also find it funny that arrogant assholes like you are far more likely to "spew" your personal beliefs in my face than any of my Midwestern neighbors.

[timtom]

6. I believe I'm worse than you.

Whenever anyone tells me to "have a nice day" or any permutation thereof, I respond crisply, "Don't tell me what to do, you fucking control freak!"

[Ishoutandscream2]

59. LOL! I'm sure you do!!

Hilarious.

[Rebubula]

157. Nice...

...You must be a blast to be around.

I guess most people avoid you after the first time, eh?

Have a real nice, pleasant, relaxing evening.

[GoneOffShore]

170. You must be new here -

He ALWAYS leaves off the :sarcasm: smiley.

:rofl:

[Regret My New Name]

200. hahahaha Awesome.

[onlyadream]

206. OMG!

:rofl:
control freak! Love it!

[alphafemale]

7. Respond with, "Blessed be." It has Wiccan origins.

And sometimes its fun to sneak something under the radar.

[riqster]

9. That's what my better half does

...amazing how many fundies just smile back at my witch, as if they have met one of their own, rather than a REAL fundamentalist (which is how I view pre-Christians).

Great fun to watch.

[Kalyke]

49. And people down South say that one, too.

Like I said, it's colloquial. I doubt those little old biddies saying that at the fresh market know it's Wiccan (and I doubt they care.)

:)

[Deep13]

156. It means the same thing...

A good day requires divine intervention.

[Marrah_G]

186. It's a little different

It has a meaning more like "Blessed be that which is" or "All that is, is blessed" or "all that is is sacred".

It is also used as a greeting or a good-bye.

And is used within certain Wiccan rituals in way a bit less known but more like the way you were thinking of it.

[LiberalEsto]

8. Tell them "Satan loves you"

and watch them freak out.

:evilgrin: :evilgrin: :evilgrin:

[TexasObserver]

10. Yes, it's annoying and annoying, unctuous, self indulgent people say it.

It's very repetition screams "I'm asking MY GOD to bless you, and that's good for something."

"Blessed" implies that God is ever at work, smiling on those who kiss his ass, and frowning on those who don't. It's not luck. It's not misfortune. It's GOD micromanaging every aspect of their life, your life, and everyone's life.


Suggestion? "How can I, when I know that all over the world God is allowing people to starve to death?"

[winston61]

12. It is not God that is allowing these people to starve-

It is human beings using God given free will. God, in whatever form you believe in has nothing to do with it.

[Bill McBlueState]

46. This God character has a pretty good racket going

Billions of people worship him as all-powerful yet are totally willing to absolve him of responsibility for anything that goes wrong in the world.

[TexasObserver]

56. God can't help you unless you kiss his butt!

Use lots of tongue. He really likes superior ass kissers. He doesn't care if you're dying, but praise him and he'll do your homework for you.

[Solomon]

217. Go ahead and google "Kissin' Hank's Ass"

You'll get a real treat. LOL

[earth mom]

125. No-they absolve themselves of any responsibility by saying "gawd will forgive me" so it's "all good"

:puke:

[TexasObserver]

53. Right. People choose to be born into famine.

Your asinine comments are exemplary of the reason no one intelligent takes seriously religious types.

You don't know whether there is a God, and if there is, you damn sure don't know what he or it intends or does.

[GoneOffShore]

173. I wish there was a "Recommend" option for posts

Because I would do that with yours.

As an atheist, I really find that "God has given us free will" is a seriously irritating statement.

[awoke_in_2003]

94. "God, in whatever form you believe in"

I believe in god the way I believe in santa claus- and both have the same amount of facts to back up their existence.

[Deep13]

140. Mistakes were made.

So god gets credit for all good things, including incomplete devestation, but dodges responsibility for all bad things. Sorry, but if god can make free will, he can circumvent it. Anyway, there is no free will. Individuals appear to have it, but in large numburs human behavior is as predictable as gravity.

[Skittles]

163. LOL

always an excuse

[Forkboy]

176. So there is no God's Plan after all.

[notadmblnd]

189. That right.. Cause he only takes credit for the good things.

some god you got there.:rofl:

[johnfunk]

40. TxObs: "How can I, when I know that all over the world God is allowing people to starve to dea

BRILLIANT! Had to put it in a subject line so the speed-readers could pick it up.

[TexasObserver]

57. Thanks. If God is blessing some, he's got to be saying "fuck off" to others.

We might infer that God is saying "Honestly, I'd love to give crops in your area, but you're not praying to my designated representative. I guess your baby is going to have die a horrible death."

[Raskolnik]

101. I'm sure you make people's day.

If an old lady at the grocery store has the nerve to wish you a blessed day, I think you have the right, and probably the responsibility, to let her know how silly you find her (presumed) beliefs.

[TexasObserver]

108. Frankly, my dear, I don't give a damn!

Is an old lady the best straw man you can contrive?! I'm beating up on sweet old ladies!!

May Satan watch your family closely.

[Raskolnik]

109. No, if you didn't give a damn you would just accept good wishes

in the spirit in which they were given.

The fact that you have to assign all kinds of ulterior motives to an objectively benign phrase, and use it as an excuse to try to look clever about religion means you very much give a damn.

We're trying to have a society here, and if the good wishes of a stranger give you fits, I suggest you go live on an island with those fools who get in a twist when someone tries to wish them a "happy holidays" instead of "merry Christmas."

[TexasObserver]

122. God, you're really full of yourself, aren't you?!

Happy Hannukah!!

Have a pleasant Ramadan!

Hope your Kwanzaa is all you wished for!




Got anything else, Reverend Falwell, or is your pomposity done yet?

[Raskolnik]

126. Yes, I'm Reverend Falwell because I want to have a civil society that discourages hypersensitivity

You need to get over yourself.

[TexasObserver]

129. Happy Holidays, and may Thor cast lightning bolts toward your nativity scene.

If you want to have a civil society, you can start by being less obnoxious.

[Raskolnik]

131. If you don't like people to call bullshit on ridiculous posts, don't make them.

Take care. Hopefully no one ruins your 2009 by wishing you a happy New Year.

[TexasObserver]

133. Hahahahahaha! You are unintentionally hilarious.

You couldn't call someone out if your life depended on it.

You whiny comments are not calling anyone out. It's revealing you to be a complainer who nags when you don't get your way.

[Raskolnik]

135. "a complainer who nags when you don't get your way."

Says the person who wrote:

Yes, it's annoying and annoying, unctuous, self indulgent people say it.

It's very repetition screams "I'm asking MY GOD to bless you, and that's good for something."

"Blessed" implies that God is ever at work, smiling on those who kiss his ass, and frowning on those who don't. It's not luck. It's not misfortune. It's GOD micromanaging every aspect of their life, your life, and everyone's life.


Suggestion? "How can I, when I know that all over the world God is allowing people to starve to death?"

Now, since you obviously have to have the last word, I will wish you well and hope for your sake that you can somehow survive the barrage of polite well wishers that apparently make your life a living hell.

[TexasObserver]

136. Onward Christian Soldier! Marching as to war!

Joan of Arc you ain't.

[Deep13]

143. They are not good wishes.

They are a way of saying,"I'm with the in-crowd. Here's the secret handshake."

[Raskolnik]

150. Really? You know that to be the case?

You sound like Bill O'Reilly arguing that wishing someone "happy holidays" instead of "Merry Christmas" is secret code in the war on Christmas.

Hypersensitivity via projection is foolish (and exhausting) no matter who is doing it.

[Deep13]

154. I'm not Bill O'Reilly.

Why else inject religion into a greeting if it is not to promote that religion?

[Raskolnik]

159. Again, you sound just like the War-on-Christmas'ers

Using your logic, why say "happy holidays" instead of "Merry Christmas" if you aren't anti- religion?

Most people say things like "have a blessed day" or "happy holidays" because they are expressing a positive thought to another human being. The former isn't promoting religion any more than the latter is condemning it.

[Deep13]

195. Again, no I don't.

That is a false equivilency and you are using a straw-man argument. This has nothing to do with Bill O'Reilly and his made-up culture war. There is no "war on Christmas" but there is a very definite effort to snuff out unbelief.

Besides, the objective facts are on the side of the nonbeliever.

[Zhade]

230. It's an argument that gods exist who wish to influence your life.

I actually find it offensive in its arrogance.

[Marrah_G]

13. Their intention is to wish you well

They made a mistake in assuming you were Christian.

Is it really worth getting upset by something that was intended to be a kind word?

I say that as a non-Christian.

[Midlodemocrat]

15. These types of threads are so tiresome.

It's not even that they are assuming you are a Christian. It's that the born again crowd is so ebullient in their newfound path that they want to share it with you. They want you to feel as wonderful as they do.

It's tantamount to the guy who quits smoking and can't wait to preach to those still smoking about how wonderful he feels.

Those who wish someone a 'Blessed Day' are doing it out of joy, not a sense of superiority.

[Vickers]

17. Yup, ex-smokers are real douchebags, too.

And I say that as an ex-smoker (10+ years smoke-free!).

:P

[Midlodemocrat]

19. Kind of offensive.

I don't think someone who wishes me a Blessed Day is a douchebag. I tend to think those who bitch about it are the douchebags.

[Vickers]

21. Lighten up, Francis.

:eyes:

[Midlodemocrat]

24. Wow.

:eyes:

[Kalyke]

35. Amen!!

Pun INTENDED.

:applause:

[Javaman]

90. people, people!!!

please. there is plenty of douchebaggery to go around for all of us!!!

[GoneOffShore]

174. Can I have a large order of schmuckery, please?"

And while you're at it, I'd like a little portion of putzitude, with some dingbattery and about a pound of doucheiness. That should hold me through the Xmas season.

And send a small order of yutz to the lady at the top of the thread, with my compliments.

[SaveOurDemocracy]

244. LOLLLLLLLL ... after I became a 'born again' non-smoker ...

...I would gripe to a friend, and co-worker, about the smoke smell and full ashtrays in our shared workspace ... something I had been complicit in not so very long before.

One day she'd heard enough; turned to me and said, "I swear, you reformed smokers are WORSE than reformed whores!!" I busted up laughing ... point taken.

[Philosoraptor]

23. no shit

[Mudoria]

52. It seems some people aren't happy unless they

have something to bitch about or be outraged about. Someone says to me "God Bless You", "Have a Blessed day", "Blessed Be" or just "Have a nice day" I just take it as a friendly gesture on their part. Much better than "Fuck off" or flipping you the finger.

[pipi_k]

73. eh, I dunno....

some of those people running around being all cheery with their "bless you" and "have a blessed day" crap are probably the same bunch who would stab someone else in the back (figuratively)in a second. I know a few of them personally.

They just look TOO perky, you know? I always wonder what dark things lie beneath the perennially perky facade.


I think I'd much rather have a good old fashioned "Fuck you" any day...at least I know what to expect...


:7

[sybylla]

211. Like the overly nice people who give you a hug only because

they're looking for a good place to stick the knife.

[Rebubula]

160. Yup

Lots of folks around these parts seem to spend all day finding shit to be offended by.

Seriously, when did progressives become so fucking thin skinned and paranoid??

I know...there are a lot of forces out there against us, but some person saying 'Have a blessed day' (personally I just respond with a similar phrase) or a person shopping at Walmart really IS NOT A BIG FUCKING DEAL!!!!

We have war criminals presenting themselves as statesmen, famine and war raging in many parts of the world, recessions and so many other things and THIS is the shit that pisses some folks off????


Seriously....Whiskey, Tango, Foxtrot????

[Shakespeare]

104. Best post on this thread. Thank you.

I will NEVER understand why some folks go out of their way to take offense at a comment that is intended--wrongheadedly or not--as a kindness. It's an interior ugliness that makes me pity those who are so offended.

[Deep13]

144. I don't control what I find upsetting.

Anyway, it is irksome more than upsetting. What you really mean is that the OP should just shut-up about his or her complaint.

[Marrah_G]

188. No- what I mean is that the OP ought to stop and think about his reaction

The majority of the time the intention of such a phrase is one of good. We have so many awful things in the world, this seems an odd thing to allow yourself to get upset about.

Once upon a time I felt like the OP.

I was new to my faith and had a really thin skin when it came to Christianity.

So I do get where they are coming from.

It's more about how you react to someone's comment rather then the comment itself.

I stop and ask myself: If this were a Hindu or a Muslim or a Buddhist or a Native American offering me good wishes with a religious based phrae would I be angry? Or am I anger because it is a Christian doing it and I have some resentment towards that particular religion (which I did, and still do)?

[Deep13]

192. Obviously the op already did that. nt

[greguganus]

149. He could just wear devil horns and a '666' shirt while shopping. n/t

[Vickers]

14. I had some guy throw a "Bless you" at me in parting the other day

so I gave out a really loud fake sneeze and said, "Thank you!"

Presumptuous prick.

[Raskolnik]

87. Presumptuous prick, indeed.

How dare he!?

[Vickers]

168. I speak sarcasm.

:P

[BeFree]

16. God Bless you

.... for this thread.

And you can take your 'happy holidays' and shove them up your ass!

[TexasObserver]

64. May Satan keep his eye on your family this holiday season.

Happy Holidays!! The season isn't just for the pagans with trees honoring Sol Invictus.

[book_worm]

18. To each his own, but I can think of many other things to get upset over

but that's just me. Happy Holidays!

[pecwae]

20. Then don't.

[JVS]

22. Ok, have a cursed day if that's your bag

[Midlodemocrat]

26. From now on, I'm just going to say

Have the shittiest day possible, douchebag!!!

So as not to offend the easily offended.

:eyes:

Jesus.

[JVS]

28. How about "Fuck off you fucking fucker fuck!"

[Midlodemocrat]

31. Fuck you, you ugly fucking fuck.

Has a nice ring to it, no?


:rofl:

JVS. I lurves you.

[DS1]

48. *ahem*

Ugly fucking fuck ugly fucking fuck

easily remembered with the letters uffuff

May God be with you

[johnfunk]

44. I prefer "Shut your fucking face, unclefucker" myself

Also the title of the catchiest song from the greatest animated musical of all time (WARNING: link decidedly not work-safe). Also available in German!)

[GoneOffShore]

175. And then there's always Derek and Clive and the "This bloke came up to me" sketch

And this is also NOT work safe.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jTifRi3qDkU&feature=related

[JVS]

30. Oh, I got another "My the Lord vent his wrath upon you and yours"

See, now isn't that nicer than wishing a blessed day?

[johnfunk]

47. "May Jehovah get all Old Testament on you and smite your ass!"

Share the love.

[NYCGirl]

25. Try to be a bigger person than they are and just say,

"Thank you. You too."

[TreasonousBastard]

27. Tough shit. Want it or not you still got it. n/t

[Orsino]

29. I've grown up with it, so it doesn't bug me.

I take it as generic good wishes, and am happy.

[Kalyke]

33. That's exactly what it means.

It's not some conspiracy to recruit followers.

Geesch.

[Midlodemocrat]

36. It's part of the CHRISTIAN AGENDA!!!

Much like the Gay Agenda, only not as pink.

[liberalpress]

42. Well, it CAN be pink...

...but only for girls.

[Kalyke]

45. This girl hates pink.

:puke:


(I'm in Tennessee, too, btw. Howdy neighbor)

[Kalyke]

34. DUPE

[LeftishBrit]

37. I don]'t think I've ever been told to have a blessed day!

It's not a common expression in Britain. Is this a super-religious way of saying Merry Christmas, or can it be said on any day?

Another atheist here; but as I live in the evil secular dark continent of Europe, I don't have too many people trying to convert me!

[CTyankee]

39. Pretty much any time, not just at Christmas.

Since I figure that only certain religious people use it, I don't get too worked up about it. But then, I'm in CT, where these people are not numerous enough to be annoying. I'm glad I live here...

[blondeatlast]

38. Well, since you admitted to being an old crank, I'll admit that of all the things to get old cranked

about, this would be very low on my list.

Your mileage obviously varies.

Have a nice day! :hi:

[DevonRex]

67. Uh oh. This might not work out well...

I mean, what if he doesn't WANT to have a nice day? What if he wants to have the worst effin' day in the history of mankind? If so, be prepared to duck. :)

:hi:

[blondeatlast]

70. I suspect s/he doesn't.

I'm bad, I know...

[Mad_Dem_X]

41. Here we go again.

Every year, there's at least one thread about this. People are just trying to be pleasant; say "thank you" or say nothing and walk away, but Jesus Christ, don't get your panties in a bunch over it.

There are plenty of things in this world that are worth getting upset over. This isn't one of them.

[pipi_k]

43. On another note, being blessed for spewing a 90 MPH stream of snot

into the air...


I absolutely HATE it when people say "bless you" after someone has sneezed. Why should someone be blessed after he's just sprayed about 60 billion germs into the air around him?

Especially people without the decency to cover their mouths with a hand or do it in the crook or their arm so all that shit doesn't end up in the eyes and nostrils of innocent bystanders....


Or when people get all offended because I didn't say "bless you" after they sneezed.

Oh yeah...bless you for sneezing in my face and giving me the fucking flu, you mannerless moron....

:mad:

[hedgehog]

51. According to legend.....

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sneeze
In Europe, principally around the early Middle Ages, it was believed that one's life was in fact tied to one's breath - a belief reflected in the word "expire" (originally meaning "to exhale") gaining the additional meaning of "to come to an end" or "to die". This connection, coupled with the significant amount of breath expelled from the body during a sneeze, had likely led people to believe that sneezing could easily be fatal. This theory, if proven conclusively, could in turn explain the reasoning behind the traditional "God bless you" response to a sneeze, the origins of which are currently unclear.

[pipi_k]

66. Yep, I knew that...

superstitions do die hard, don't they?


Personally, I'd rather see people say "bless you" after someone farts....reason being that a cough or sneeze is easily replaceable by breathing in air through the same nose or mouth it went out.

Farts....dangerous...how do we replace the air that came out "down there"? :scared:


Who was it...George Carlin? Someone did a skit about a man who had, at 35 years old (or thereabout) never farted...then one day he farts...he immediately goes into a panic and worries that he'll never stop...that he'll fly around the room backwards till his eyes bug out and collapse on the floor like an airless balloon....

:rofl:

[Recursion]

81. Well, they were also in a world without antibiotics

And getting a cold could mean you'd be dead in a week or so.

[hedgehog]

50. Good-bye

Goodbye.

This phrase comes from God be with you. It has been shortened over the years since 16th century. Shakespeare used "God be wy you." The substitution for good for God seems to have been mainly due to the influence of such phrases as " good day" and " good night."

http://www.unm.edu/~dave/words/5-2.html

[onenote]

114. the OP probably hates being told good bye too

[Terran]

54. I'm okay with it, but what REALLY bugs me is

asking someone how they are and they respond, "Oh, I'm blessed!" Wishing blessings on someone else isn't condescending, but asserting that you yourself are blessed basically implies that the listener is not, and that's just rude.

[Kalyke]

60. Did they say you weren't blessed?

No. They said THEY were. They never implied you weren't.

What is up with DUers upending comments? I had a discussion yesterday about "Christian drivers" in a thread. Someone said Christian drivers should be courteous. They did not say a word about other faiths. No one said that drivers of other faiths were less courteous, but someone got their knickers twisted thinking that the poster meant people of other faiths weren't. The post simply meant that if Christians are following Jesus' teachings, then they would be courteous drivers. Period.

[Iggo]

62. What the...?

[Terran]

63. Sorry, you're wrong.

I ask someone a simple question, really just a rhetorical question since I'm most likely not that interested in the person's actual health--I'm just being conventionally polite. Their response is to claim a special, divine status. I'm sorry but that is an entirely inappropriate response, and yes it most certainly does imply something about me and about how that person sees themselves. They obviously feel it necessary to emphasize to me, completely unasked, how pious and un-sinful they are, leaving no conversational opprtunity for me to respond effectively, even if I wanted too. F*ck that--it's the very definition of condescending. Jesus would slap that person for such behavior.

[demgurl]

55. Here is how I look at this.....

I am all for people saying 'happy holidays' because it encompasses people of all religions rather than being restrictive. At the same time, I do not hold it against people if they wish me a merry Christmas because they are being friendly and the world needs as much positive energy as it can get.

I am Buddhist and so I do not believe in the entity people call 'God'. But that did not stop hubby and I from saying we felt blessed when we had our first child. Feeling you are blessed with good things does not have to tie in with a God. It is more like you are lucky to have such good things come your way.

I have been wished a blessed day before and have never taken exception to it. How wonderful is it that a stranger would wish good things for you? So many people are willing to cut in lines, cut you off in traffic and try to take you for what they can. In a world like that I think it is great when some people just want to get along.

Once I gave some money to a guy on a corner and he said, "God bless". I VERY nicely explained that I am Buddhist and do not believe in God. The poor guy stammered not knowing what to say and I felt badly because he only meant well. I have never spoken up like that again because there is enough discomfort in the world. Why cause someone a discomfort when they are only wishing you well?

It is all about respecting each other whether it is in regards to how you wish someone a good season or how you tell them to have a good day. I doubt that person was out to get you or cause you distress. I figure that they really did want to wish you well in the human race. They did so in the best way they understood how. Not all of us are on the same religious/spiritual plain but I do think most mean well. More tolerance, love and understanding would make this an even better place to call our home.

When I am signing off on an email I always evaluate it to see if it can come across in a fashion it was not meant to. It is so easy to misunderstand intentions when you can not hear inflection. If I want someone to know I care or that what I wrote is meant to be taken positively , and as a friend, I always sign it 'in metta' - this means 'in loving kindness'. I hope this reply will be taken in the positive and friendly manner it was meant. Please excuse me for using what I have learned in Buddhism, but.........

In Metta,

demgurl

[Cults4Bush]

107. A beautiful post.

Thank you :)

[Iggo]

61. When I was a kid...

..."bless-ed" (pronounced as two syllables) was a substitute for "damned."

Cracks me up when people tell me to have a blessed day.

[pipi_k]

69. That reminds me of something

I had either heard or read, regarding the term "Bless his/her heart" that people who live in the South sometimes say as a euphemism for "That damned fool" or maybe even "That fucking idiot" depending on how stupid the person was being...

as in, "Granny, cousin Bub is drunk and sleepin' in the pigpen again"

Granny..."Well, bless his heart, he never did have a lick of sense"


Like I said...it's only something I had either heard or read...


PS....I'm a New Englander and don't know much about stuff like that...

[yellerpup]

171. A Southern friend once told me that good Southern girls

go to charm school to learn how to exclaim, "How nice." Evidently that is the accepted Southern substitute for "Fuck you."

Example:

Amanda: "Billy Bob bought me this little mink coat at Neiman-Marcus."

Donna Gail: "How nice!"

[crim son]

65. I guess I don't care.

Freedom of speech and all that aside, what possible difference does it make how these people choose to impart their good wishes?

[Aristus]

68. Shoot, I'm a Christian and it bugs the fool out of ME!

To me, it just sounds smarmy and self-righteous...

[pipi_k]

72. Thank you!

To me, it's just another way for some of them to surreptitiously get their "message" out without seeming like they're actively proselytizing. Like a free advertisement of their religious faith. I don't need (nor do I WANT) to know if someone is a Christian or Wiccan or Pagan or Atheist or whatever.

"Have a good day" should be good enough.

[Raskolnik]

71. It's quite a burden to bear, isn't it?

You must be exhausted. Go lay down with a cold compress and try not to think of the unfairness of it all.

[opihimoimoi]

75. Hey...I got the 4...where is da 5?

Hail Mary, Mother of all long Passes, may those recievers catch the MFR Ball and lemme win my bet....Blessed ar the Passers and Blessed are the Recievers....Lemme win my friggen Bet

[TBF]

76. Heh. However well-meaning I agree they're whacked as well.

I just reply with "take care" because I certainly don't wish to prolong the conversation.

[BoneDaddy]

77. Have a blessed day

The things people give power to

[kevinbgoode]

78. Well now...just respond like this:

"Thank you. And you have a gay day."

Heads will explode.

[BoneDaddy]

84. Lol, now that is funny

I love it.

[knitter4democracy]

178. I'd take that as a response any day.

As long as it comes with a hug. :hug: I need lots of hugs these days.

[Recursion]

79. whambulance time?

Somebody tries to say something nice and it pisses you off. Can't win for losing.

[TBF]

80. Not everyone is Christian. Why assume they are? n/t

[Recursion]

82. I don't think the "blesser" was

It's a benediction; hoping for something good for the person. It doesn't really matter what the person being blessed believes. Assuming the person saying "have a blessed day" was sincere, he was wishing the person well as he understands "well" to mean, not trying to foist his beliefs on the OP.

Yes, I know there are plenty of passive aggressive ways to say "have a blessed day", but that's true for "good morning", too (c.f. Gandalf's conversation with Bilbo).

[Shakespeare]

106. Christianity is not the only set of beliefs in which blessings are given.

But don't let a little thing like knowledge get in the way of your outrage. :eyes:

[TBF]

205. Again, you are assuming belief.

But don't let that get in the way of your fairy tales. :eyes:

[blondeatlast]

216. May I suggest the Oxford Comprehensive Dictionary of the English Language.

An atheist can offer you a blessing and not be the least bit hypocritical.

[Shakespeare]

220. You really don't have a clue, do you?

I'm not speaking strictly about religion, but don't let your eye-rolling idiocy get in the way of a little relevant knowledge.

[TBF]

225. You can throw your little insults around all you want, and roll your eyes as well.

How that adds to the conversation is beyond me, but clearly you have it all figured out. Oh, and you're very knowledgeable. I haven't figured out what exactly it is that you think you know, since you've said nothing of substance, but I'll give you the benefit of the doubt on that one. Have a blessed day.

[Shakespeare]

239. You refuse to acknowledge the MANY references supplied on this thread...

...that the concept of blessings extends quite outside the realm of religion; instead, you belittle and eye-roll and make yourself look ignorant and narrow-minded.

Namaste.

[TBF]

241. You know very well what people mean when they say "have a blessed day" and it has nothing to do

with yoga.

But I'll leave you to your insults because it's clearly what you do best.

[Shakespeare]

243. Oh really?

You quiz everybody who says that to you to find out precisely what their beliefs are and what their intention is in wishing you blessings?

Really?

You more or less just proved my point. And NOTHING I have said is an insult--I've said you are ill-informed, and so you are.

And if you think "namaste" has only or even mostly to do with yoga, you are indeed ill-informed.

[TBF]

245. And do you continually insult everyone you come across? For days on end?

My what a lovely person you are. I know you believe you are brilliant, and that's fine. Whatever gets you through your blessed day.

[Zhade]

236. Only christians pronounce it "bless-ed".

NT!

[Shakespeare]

240. And that has what, exactly, to do with my post?

Oh, that's right. It has NOTHING to do with my post, which you ignore because it doesn't match your narrow-minded ideas. There are zealots on both sides of the religion/no religion debate; the sad irony is that many of you don't realize you're as rabid as the other side.

Namaste.

[smoogatz]

85. Oh, relax.

I'm agnostic/atheist depending what day of the week it is, and about 95% of the people in my experience who say "have a bless(ed) day" are African American ladies working crappy service jobs. If they want to wish me happy thoughts from Jesus, or whatever, it's fine with me. Your response is essentially the same as those whackos who get all worked up over "happy holidays" vs "merry Christmas." Not everyone is capable of anticipating and accommodating your particular religious/philosophical viewpoint. Consider yourself lucky that they bother to wish you anything but a swift kick in the ass.

[blondeatlast]

115. "Cconsider yourself lucky, etc..." Amen (which isn't a religious word either

for those who do crosswords)! :rofl:

[hendo]

86. have a blessed day

and Merry Christmas!

[SidDithers]

88. You and me both, 'raptor...

I usually respond with a polite "No thanks" whenever that particular "greeting" is proffered.

Sid

[Raskolnik]

100. I bet that makes everyone's day.

Why accept a positive sentiment in the spirit in which it is given, right?

[OPERATIONMINDCRIME]

89. Wahhhhh!!! Wahhhhhh!!! CHANGE ME!!!!!!

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[martymar64]

213. ah, bless your heart

and gesundheit to you too

[Javaman]

91. the inanity of inane threads. nt

[hfojvt]

158. it has been a blessing

allowing us to vent our spleen at those who disagree with us.

[Javaman]

181. LOL nt

[Soylent Brice]

93. probably the most

irritating thing i hear all day.

you can invoke an andrew dice clay-like spirit and grab your crotch and spout something like "bless this"

i'm sure that would get the point across.

[Hell Hath No Fury]

95. It annoys the fuck out of me.

After 12 years of Catholic school, I am done with the whole "blessed" thing. :D I live in SF, so I rarely have to hears such nonsense, but, when I do, it really grates on my nerve.

I am still trying to find the perfect response -- "All hail the Dark Lord of the underworld" would be my top choice.

[blondeatlast]

96. As myy mom would say: "Bless your li'l heeeeart..."

Noticeable increase in tone on "heeeeart..."

Southern and midwesterners will know precisely what I mean by that.

[CBGLuthier]

97. Have a blessed day

If that is the only thing you got to be cranky about then you are truly blessed.

[Festivito]

98. No BLISS for you, eh?

May you receive the measure of blessing you desire.

[Hepburn]

99. Yep....

...I want to spew back, "I will have any fucking kind of day I please, OK?"

But then...I realize that someone is probably being nice to me in his/her own way...so I STFU!

:hi:

[Throd]

102. Aren't you the angry elf.

"Have a blessed day" to me means to have a day of good fortune. I don't translate it to "Accept Lord Jesus Christ as your personal savior or languish in the everlasting fires of torment and pain". Maybe it is what they mean but it is just too wordy in the latter form. I gots more important things to worry about.

[yodermon]

103. blessed be

much better

[silverweb]

105. Confuse 'em.

Expose them to something different. Bow gently and say, _"Namasté!"_

[Fireweed247]

112. Oh geez, just relax...and God Bless!

I'll pray for you!

[onenote]

113. and if someone says "bless you" after you sneeze, do you spit on them?

Just askin'

[gravity]

116. It is just a friendly saying

You are not the center of the world, and people don't know how you feel about it. They wish you well, and there was no secret agenda behind it.

[Alter Ego]

117. Um...how about not giving a shit?

Unless they're detaining/jailing/torturing you for not being a Christian, I really could not care less.

[Fearless]

118. Agreed. Happy Holidays.

:hi:

[SidneyCarton]

120. Of course...

Though I would argue that these people ultimately have no control over what kind of day you have. In that light, may I wish you to have a day. Whether or not it is blessed, nice, mediocre, cursed or just plain shitty is your business, do with it as you will.

[aikoaiko]

123. As an athiest, I take such sayings as a well intentioned metaphor.

YMMV

[Toucano]

227. You are wise. n-t

[Lars39]

124. Fundies believe that only those who "walk with the Lord" will be blessed.

I view the phrase as a way for fundies to identify each other and as an admonition to walk the talk.

[earth mom]

127. I hear ya. And I've found that saying Happy Holidays in reply to Merry Christmas

gets some evil looks from these idiots.

I am so sick of their shit! :puke:

[Raskolnik]

128. Isn't it exactly that kind of hypersensitive nonsense that should be discouraged?

Is it any less ridiculous to be upset by "have a blessed day" than "happy holidays?" Anyone who gets worked up over either perfectly benign phrase is just looking to be offended by something.

I guess some people just aren't happy unless they are making everyone else miserable.

[Ikonoklast]

130. That's why I carry a brick with me everywhere I go.

I smash their smug faces in if they wish me well.


The very nerve of some people.

[Raskolnik]

132. Those people are worse than Hitler.

Man, some people have a really rough time of it, don't they?

[Ikonoklast]

134. It barely registers on my personal outrage meter.

But then, I still have my brick ready.

[Raskolnik]

137. Hmmmm...you must be made of some stern stuff to withstand an assault like that.

But I'm glad you have the brick, just in case.

[Deep13]

152. "...some people have a really rough time of it, don't they?"

That's an ignorant thing to say. The believers of this world can do their believing in public on tax-exempt property. They are assumed to be the norm and feel like they have a right to make others respect their beliefs. Messages from church signs to radio announcers to media generally to politicians to money tell us that the point of view of the believer is right. On the other hand, publicly declaring a lack of belief can get a person fired (regardless of the law.) It is assumed that rejecting the impossible idea of a god also means rejecting all ethics, morals and compassion. It is assumed that nonbelievers have no purpose for existence, are sad and lonely and will eventually burn in hell forever. Being a nonbeliever is of course an implicit criticism of belief even if we do shut up. That alone is cause for offense. To be a nonbeliever is to make oneself a social pariah for the sole reason that we refuse to accept what is impossible.

What would believers say if atheists put up billboards saying "There is not god" bought tax exempt land to start a K-12 school with the sole purpose of turning people away from god? What if we had TV networks raising money to fight the scourge of Christian superstition? What if we greeted people with, "Be glad there's no god?"

And this is in the 21st century United States. Though most of western history, expressing even a different opinion about god would get a person hanged IF he were lucky! This is still the case in much of the world. People are routinely tortured and killed for religious "crimes" in Islamic countries. In much of the Spanish-speaking world, people still live in grinding poverty under ecclesiastical law.

So don't lecture us about the harmlessness of imposing their god on us even if it is just a little bit.

[Raskolnik]

164. We're not talking about persecution, we're talking about someone saying "have a blessed day"

If you don't want to believe in jebus, go have yourself a great old time. I certainly won't force you, and if anyone tries I will put you in touch with a good civil rights lawyer. If you think we should have a solid wall of separation between church and state that keeps each out of the other's business, I strenuously agree.

But, you don't have a right remain free of contact with people and beliefs that you don't care for. If a bigot gets upset when someone wishes him "Feliz Navidad" instead of "Merry Christmas," then that's too bad for that asshole. If a fundamentalist Muslim gets upset by the sight of Easter eggs on the store shelf, too bad for that asshole. If a fundamentalist Christian gets upset that his employer recognizes Yom Kippur as a holiday, too bad for that asshole. If the OP gets his undies in a bunch because someone might wish him a "blessed day," too bad for him.

[onenote]

187. So saying "bless you" to someone who sneezed is imposing god on them?

Wow. How much of the day do you spend being upset at the behavior of others? Must be pretty much a 24/7 thing.

[Deep13]

194. You're changing the subject.

The post I responded to sarcastically dismissed the OP's feelings on the matter.

[Deep13]

138. I know. It sounds so forced.

I cringe when I hear it.

[ACTION BASTARD]

141. Respond with, " as-Salamu alaikum" and watch their eyes

I did this to a group of cross-humpers on a Saturday morning and they stopped dead in their tracks and just glared.

I look nothing like a Muslim and the smile in my face told them I was fulla shit.

[greguganus]

145. I agree with you.

You're "just an old crank".

[Dukkha]

146. right now I just say Mele Kalikimaka

or Felis Navidad. cultural diversity really pisses them off.

[Raskolnik]

151. Yes, people that get upset when confronted with cultural diversity are foolish, aren't they?

The OP, and several people on this thread, don't like it that they have to be exposed to an objectively benign phrase that they don't care for.

How is that different than the "them" of your post getting pissed at "Feliz Navidad?"

[blondeatlast]

147. From now on, to prevent offending anyone's delicate sensibilities,

I shall make this my greeting upon their/my exit:

"You suck. Thank God you are leaving."

[malaise]

148. Ditto

I hate it. A student came to me and asked if I had found Jesus. I told him I didn't know he was lost, but would he find the door and leave my office and never return if his intention was prosletyzing.

[silverweb]

221. "I didn't know he was lost."

I'm going to remember that one! Love it! :rofl:

[Deep13]

153. But, I always lie to people to be polite!

"Hail Satan! See yah soon!"
:hi:

[gogoplata]

155. Yeah, but I don't want to have a happy holiday, so piss off.

[WritingIsMyReligion]

161. I laugh to myself at it.

I know I've heard it in real life, but rarely so.

Sometimes I love not living in the south. Actually, that would be most of the time, but whatever. :D

[Skittles]

162. I agree

it is sanctimonious jerks, projecting their own silly beliefs onto others

[Amerigo Vespucci]

165. I send emails encoraging my friends to have a "blessed week"...

...and it's not "SOOOO condescending, even insulting, like a slap in the face."

But then again, I'm talking about my friends, so what works for them isn't going to work for people who aren't my friends.

And I can live with that.

:patriot:

[Sheltiemama]

166. I'm Methodist, and it irritates me.

[RushIsRot]

167. W.W.B.B.D. What Would Betty Bowers Do?

[Forkboy]

177. I used to be offended by "I'll pray for you" until I met someone who meant it....

...because he genuinely cared about me. He didn't mean it a condescending way at all, and when someone says it now (which is rarely as I avoid the human race when I can) I just say thank you.

[Myrina]

179. Damn Skippy!

:applause: :applause:

[quiet.american]

184. Okay. nt

[Kazak]

191. I mean, let's face it...

You're either blessed or you're not right (assuming you believe in such things...)? Isn't it kind of cruel to wish a "blessed day" upon someone who isn't blessed? Very presumptuous!

[gollygee]

193. The people I know who say that are Pagan

Oh wait, maybe they say, "Blessed Be". You could reply with that.

[blondeatlast]

196. Wow--all this and the OP never returned to the thread! I know Philo is a tried and true DUer

though.

I just find it rather amusing!

[Philosoraptor]

198. Amusing indeed

[Raskolnik]

203. It's almost like it was flame-bait...

and the OP wasn't really interested in having to defend his position.

[Tommy_Carcetti]

197. Then don't "have a blessed day." Who cares?

It's just a phrase. If you don't like it, ignore it. It's not like they are insulting your mother. Sheesh.

I'm not Jewish, but I've had Jewish people wish me "Mazel Tov" when I mention some good news. I don't mind it at all--in fact, I like it. They've got a sincere faith belief, and they want to include good wishes to me in their belief. Whether or not I share that faith doesn't matter.

[Iwillnevergiveup]

199. Just as annoying to me

is when I ask someone, "Hey, how are you?" they respond with, "I'm blessed." It always feels canned and disingenuous to me.:shrug:

[Regret My New Name]

201. I usually don't think anything of it...

I tend to view it just another generic sort of pleasantry that many seem obligated to use...

[deaniac21]

202. I just say mopaul!

[Midlodemocrat]

204. !

:spray:

[kenny blankenship]

207. Just say "Thank you, but we've already made other plans."

This also works for those people who feel they must command/admonish you to "have a nice day".

[blondeatlast]

215. Spoken as a retail vet who's heard people get cranky about my attempt to simply be friendly

yet detached (I don't think I ever said what bothers the OP, but I have said "Have a good day" often--only with the best of intentions)...

I would have LOVED that response; it would have made me giggle!

Spoken with humor and politic, I would have really enjoyed that.

[shadowknows69]

208. It's those thug priests I can't stand

And their drive-by blessings. I get hit by them all the time.

[Dukkha]

212. George Carlin had a response to this

actually to the always insincere 'Have a nice day'

"Would you give me my fucking change please!"

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=16Rxys_uBsw

[moriah]

233. My "Have a Great Day" is very rarely insincere, but ....

... when I've dealt with some very bad customers, I wanted to say this so much:

"Fuck you very much and have a great day, okay?"

I'm pretty sure if I kept the tone right half of the people who heard it would not realize what I'd said until they walked away.

[cherokeeprogressive]

218. May the Bird of Paradise Fly Up Your Nose. n/t

[JDwho]

219. There are a number of definitions for the word "blessed"

Number 3 in Websters is : bringing pleasure, contentment, or good fortune.
Hey, I'll take some of that. What's the big deal?

[Warren DeMontague]

222. Just respond with this little ditty:

Hooray, Hooray!
O' Blessed Day!
Outdoor Fucking
Starts Today!

[11 Bravo]

223. You know how stupid O'Reilly's "War on Christmas" bullshit sounds? You're the flip side.

Two angry little trolls, each howling about some mindless, imagined outrage.

[WildEyedLiberal]

234. .

Exactly right. :thumbsup:

[Arugula Latte]

224. Agree -- I hate that phrase. Very annoying.

I don't need a blessing from the nonexistent sky fairy, but thanks a bunch anyway.

[Toucano]

226. You have a good response.

Even the nuttiest fanatic, however, isn't condescending to you.

In fact, they are trying to give you something they think is extremely valuable.

Like when your cat drops a dead mouse at your feet. You don't actually WANT the dead mouse, but the cat thinks he's done you a HUGE favor!

"Thanks, kitty!"

[Zhade]

228. It is so arrogant -- as if there are any gods to bless anyone.

It's not a greeting, it's a challenge asserting that they're right about their beliefs and don't care if you think differently.

[moriah]

231. You'd probably hate my usual signature on other forums, then....

I usually sign off with:

Blessings,

Moriah

-----------

I know another person who signs off with "Blessed Bee"

[99th_Monkey]

235. Well then, have a shity day. See if I care.

Get over yourself dude. There are much more worth targets for your indignation than someone
who's well-intentioned and simply wishing good things for you, but isn't saying it in the
most "politically correct" language enough to your liking.

happy holidays!

[orleans]

237. trust me--no one is going to say that to you. stop sweating the small stuff. n/t

[Vinca]

238. I'm annoyed by all kinds of remarks that make assumptions.

My particular pet peeve is "have a happy Mother's Day." I don't have kids and my mother is dead so there's nothing to celebrate. "Merry Christmas" bugs me because I'm an atheist. Fortunately, I've never been treated to "blessed day."

[Sequoia]

242. I got a business email with a tag line: Jesus is the reason for the season.

I'm thinking it doesn't belong at work.