Whenever you’re in a different location than where you were reared you begin to notice small differences in what people do or say. For example, in some places it’s customary to hold open a door for someone before or after you go through it. In other places you say “Thank you” too acknowledge someone who did something for you, no matter how small or easy the task performed was. In other locations you’re supposed to leave a tip for good service. 

Today I noticed that no one says “God bless you” after someone sneezes here in China. And you know what, that makes sense as most Chinese seem not to subscribe to a religion. 

What I find most odd is that there’s no equivalent saying. Spanish speakers would say “¡Salúd!” (meaning roughly “to your health”) and those speaking German would say “Gesundheit!” (which I’m pretty sure is some kind of canine or sausage). Here in China there is not even an acknowledgement of the sneeze but man, there should be! When someone sneezes it sounds like there’s some sort of hidden decibel record that’s trying to be broken and I’m genuinely worried for the health of the sneezer!

Tell me what you think an appropriate phrase should be or even if I should use one here. Do keep in mind I normally was say “Salúd” or “Bless you” when around westerners, so I’m looking for something a bit more … fun! …to say.