DEAR ABBY: My girlfriend, "Kim," believes that saying "Bless you" after someone sneezes is a universal requirement. I think this is something out of the 15th century so I never say anything. Kim thinks I'm rude. What say you, Abby? -- ALREADY BLESSED IN LAKE FOREST, CALIF.
DEAR ALREADY BLESSED: I say you and Kim are both right. The custom of saying "Bless you" or "God bless you" after someone sneezes did originate in the Middle Ages, when it was believed that when people sneezed, their souls left their bodies for an instant -- and saying "God bless you" would prevent the devil from snatching it. And Kim is correct that the polite thing to do is to say it. If you care about her feelings you will accommodate her -- not just because it's good manners, but because you know it'll make her happy.