Can we just stop saying “bless you” or whatever?

Yes! That’s literally all we have to do to move toward ending the practice. I know several people who don’t say it at all due to being areligious. I don’t acknowledge every sneeze, either. I’ve never encountered anyone getting offended by it.

It’s not on the same level of courtesy as “please” and “thank you” after all. Those words still have obvious use, but responding to an involuntary reaction of another person’s body feels more “rude” to me than saying nothing.

It feels weird at first, but the more we stop responding, the more normal it will become.

Last time I checked it was considered uncultured in some savoir vivre guide.

Why did I check such a thing? I was raised without this odd tradition and a long time ago had a girlfriend who was border line offended every time I didn't react to her sneezing. Unfortunately she taught me to say it anyway and it's pretty hard to unlearn again. After more than 2 decades.

"May God's richest blessings fall upon thee."