She didn't say it back!

[HappyFun Ball]

So off I go on a delivery that did not involve a drunk college kid but a very pleasant (At that time any ways) lady. At the end of the transaction she said "God bless." not knowing what to say to that, I just said "Thank you." (I say thank you with every delivery). Why didn't I say "God bless you" back you ask? Well that is because I am an Atheist.

So I got back to the store and the manager says that the lady called back bitching on how I didn't return the "God bless you.". I was asked why I didn't say it back, I told them why and I was told to just say it back to avoid any future conflict, I flat out refused to do so, it went against my lack of belief. I just told them to put a note on the account to say that a Theist needs to take the delivery.

[Mr Hero]

I believe in God, and I STILL don't hear "God Bless" that much, so I wouldn't know how to reply to it.

[RealUnimportant]

I hear this occasionally, and (once my skin stops crawling) my stock answer is "I'd rather He didn't." In the unlikely event there is a deity, I'm sure They have far more important things to do than bless everyone suggested to them by the microbes under their purview.

[HappyFun Ball]

Or these gems i get from delivering to churches:

Them: Jesus loves you
Me: Well tell him thanks anyways

Them: God forgives your sins
Me: And I forgive him his.

[Zellie Crescent]

Every time I hear that it's always somebody trying to "save me", I always just smile and nod like an idiot then when they're not looking I throw away the pamphlet they gave me.

[BrenDAnn]

That is one thing that really gets to me. What makes them think we want said "blessing"? I'm sure there are Theists that don't even like hearing that. On the rare occasion I hear it from a sucktomer at the c-store, I just nod and smile, and as Sarah said, toss the pamphlet they give me once they leave. At the rick of offending others, if I'm not in a church, don't preach to me, thank you.

[Anamal]

I usually just grit out a "you, too..." (Athiest as well.)

[Caractacus_Potts]

I flat out refused to do so, it went against my lack of belief. I just told them to put a note on the account to say that a Theist needs to take the delivery.

Or you could tell your boss you will reply, "And may the laws of physics always work in your favor and may you always be on the positive side of the bell curve."

I'm guessing that would set off more rage than simply saying, "Thank you".

On the rare occasion I hear it from a sucktomer at the c-store, I just nod and smile, and as Sarah said, toss the pamphlet they give me once they leave.

I was at a pumpkin festival on Boston common several years ago and there were two different groups of religious people canvassing the area handing out pamphlets. I accepted one (I actually like to read them sometimes as they can be quite funny). When I was passing the second group I took the offered pamphlet and handed the guy the one I had just read from the other group. I think he was very confused.

[Mr Hero]

I have views on people who use "God Bless" which I posted on Fratching. But since I'm a new member, it may take a little while for a mod to review it and make the post visible.

Edit: I made my feelings known.

[Teskeria]

I find that saying 'thank you' with a slight upward tone (as though pleasantly surprised) satisfies them. And really all I'm thanking them for is what they perceive to be a good wish. After all, a bless you is better than a f**k you most days.

[Duncan MacLeod]

I am Jewish, and I very much enjoy messing with people trying to "save" me. I am very happy with my faith, and have no fear of telling them so and then muttering in Hebrew if they persist.

[nuthing12]

I don't believe that God needs to enter into a business transaction.

[Sapphire Silk]

I typically accept such things in the spirit intended, which is usually pleasant. But I probably would have said thank you too, and I'm a Christian myself. Not all Christians would respond to "bless you" with another Bless you. I have a very good friend who usually tells people to "Have a Blessed day," and my response is usually, "You, too."

Of course, if I know the person in question, and know they are pushy about their religion, I sometimes get a little playful and borrow phrases from other cultures and religions.

My favorite is "Blessed be." Short simple, and gets the bible thumpers a lot harder than quoting Einstein.

[Can I Help Your A$$?]

C: "God Bless You."

M: "Thanks, but that's for Him to decide."

[Andara Bledin]

I typically accept such things in the spirit intended, which is usually pleasant. But I probably would have said thank you too, and I'm a Christian myself.

This.

There's enough misery and ill will in the world that I don't need to be adding to it by taking offense at something that was not meant to be offensive in the first place.

And I don't say it, either. I've always thought it sounded... inappropriate, somehow, but I couldn't say why. *shrug*

Now, with the OP, obviously the lady was being faux polite and got all offended that you weren't the right flavor of faux polite back. She was a bitch.

I think that if you go all the other side just to get in their faces, you're not only sinking to their level, but in some cases making an extra dive down.

^-.-^