From Big Macs to Bless You: Laughing Through the World's Weird Rituals

In this latest episode of The Absurdists, Marlo Anderson and Mary Murphy dive headfirst into the hilariously quirky world of human rituals, customs, and behaviors that, at a closer look, seem utterly absurd. With their characteristic wit, the duo unravels the strange ways people engage with everyday customs and habits that many of us take for granted, prompting laughter, reflection, and perhaps a little confusion along the way.

The Great “Bless You” Debate

The episode begins with a deep dive into the peculiar practice of saying “bless you” when someone sneezes. Marlo and Mary muse over why sneezes, and not coughs or yawns, earn this special acknowledgment. The pair uncovers the bizarre history of this ritual, tracing it back to ancient beliefs, where sneezing was thought to release spirits from the body, requiring a blessing to ward off evil. Mary shares how, even now, the custom persists globally, yet the logic behind it has long been lost to time.

Marlo’s take? He wonders whether society would feel just as compelled to offer blessings if someone hiccupped or burped in public. Together, the hosts laugh at the oddity of such arbitrary social expectations, which shape behaviors we follow without second thought.

Holding Doors: A Chivalry Conundrum

Marlo recounts an awkward moment during his recent trip to London, where his attempt at politeness—holding a door open for strangers—was met with unexpected criticism. This moment triggers a larger conversation about the nuances of politeness and courtesy. The duo debates when it’s appropriate to hold a door, and how some cultures view these small acts of kindness differently.

They discuss how politeness can sometimes backfire, turning an intended good deed into an uncomfortable social faux pas. Mary reflects on times when she felt awkward holding doors too long or when someone hurried awkwardly to avoid being “inconvenient.” The conversation naturally meanders into how different regions of the world handle common courtesy, with humorous stories peppered throughout.

The Awkward Etiquette of Elevators

Few things in modern life are as awkward as standing in an elevator with strangers, and Marlo and Mary fully explore this phenomenon. Should you strike up a conversation or pretend everyone else doesn’t exist? They laugh over the unwritten rules of elevator etiquette, where eye contact becomes taboo, and everyone instinctively turns to their phones to avoid interaction.

Mary shares a story of a particularly lively elevator ride she once took in Las Vegas, where an impromptu conversation broke the unspoken rule of silence. Meanwhile, Marlo marvels at how such a small, confined space can amplify social anxiety and awkwardness.

Crickets and Tequila: A Crunchy Cultural Experience

Mary introduces listeners to her most recent culinary adventure in Mexico, where she participated in a tequila tasting that came with an unusual snack: crickets. Describing the experience with her signature humor, she shares how the tequila made the crunchy insects more palatable, although she warns listeners about the surprising challenge of dealing with tiny legs and antennae that stubbornly stick between your teeth.

Marlo can’t resist chiming in, pondering the rise of edible insects in Western culture and playfully imagining future food trends. Could crickets become the new potato chips? The thought alone is absurd enough to warrant a chuckle.

Absurd Reflections on Everyday Behavior

The episode wraps up with reflections on how rituals and customs, from saying “bless you” to awkward elevator silences, shape human behavior. Marlo and Mary leave listeners with an invitation to embrace the absurdity of life and find humor in everyday interactions. Whether it’s holding a door, munching on crickets, or nodding politely in an elevator, these small moments remind us that life is full of quirks worth