Call It Discrimination But I Can’t Tolerate Smoking

I am not a smoker.

Okay, now that I got that over with, let’s get to the point of this whole blog post. As you may already know, I am not one to use my blog to complain and moan about things—that is just not me. I like to inform people and share information. But lately, I have grown weary of smokers in public, that is to say that I am tired of breathing in second hand smoke. It has gotten to the point that the last few nighttime outings that I participated in were not fun ones because of smokers. It seems everywhere I go, there is a smoker lurking somewhere breathing out their air filled venom in which my poor lungs take in.

I am not amused.

I don’t have anything against smokers. I am not the type of person who will go up to someone smoking and verbally let them know my dissatisfaction. But there is nothing cool or sexy about smoking. It makes your breath stink, your clothes smell, and gives you lung cancer. Smoking is just not fabulous at all. And yes, that is my opinion.

Here in St. Louis, there is not a ban on smoking in restaurants. So people may go to a restaurant or club and sit in the “smoking section” which is usually right across from the “no smoking section” which is why my lungs are not happy. Many large cities have a smoking ban indoors period, but St. Louis is still lagging behind in that area.

Then there are the times when I am outside on the patio enjoying a good dinner when someone at the next table is smoking with their back behind me and the smoke is just getting everywhere—in my hair, food, etc. They look at me and I look at them and scowl in disgust and they smile, as if they have no idea that I am not happy that they are smoking. At one recent event, my friend and I were sitting at a table outside and the woman next to us continued to chain smoke cigarette after cigarette throughout our whole meal. We were sitting there first but she didn’t care. And didn’t even bother to ask that pesky question, “Is this smoke bothering you?”

I wish there was an island at every event that smokers could go to which was sealed of and cordoned so I would not have to deal with this foolishness.

So that is my rant and I am sticking to it. Call it discrimination if you want, but I cannot tolerate cigarette smoke.

What is your take? Are you a smoker who thinks I should just “get a life?” Or do you agree with me? Has smoking cramped your style at parties and events? Comment please and let me know your opinion.