Along with the beauty of the spring and summer come pollens circulating throughout the air — today they’re from grasses, next month they will be from stinging nettle, rye, and linden trees, too. Sneezing during these months is a fact of life.
But what should you do if you sneeze during an appointment or phone call with English speakers, or if someone you’re meeting with sneezes?
If you sneeze (and also if you have to blow your nose), you should say “Excuse me”. If someone says “Bless you!” or “Gesundheit!” after you sneeze, respond by saying “Thank you”.
If you’re with a person who sneezes, be sure to say “Bless you!” or “Gesundheit!”.