Why is it ok to berate smokers?

[EvianBaby]

Why is it ok for others to harass smokers about their habit?

I'm frequently asked by other people (normally friends or family), 'when are you going to quit'?

This morning I had an IT guy in the office. I barely know him and he could only have know I am a smoker by smelling it but out of nowhere he said, 'have you heard of Stoptober, you should do it'.

As it happens I am thinking of trying to quite but I want to do this in my own time and way, without announcing it to avoid everyones judgement.

Now, I'm happy for people to have opinions, I've plenty of my own but it seems like it's ok for you to air them whenever you feel like if it's about a smoker.

If I was morbidly obese I doubt he would have asked when I was going to join Weight Watchers.

I don't criticize people for the amount of alcohol they drink, although in some cases I'd really like to.

[shoota]

When are you going to quit..........?

[tonyav]

Should have told him to mind it, Evian.

[ummmm]

I think non smokers are baffled as to why someone would start in the first place. The worst people are ex smokers!

[EvianBaby]

But it's none of their business, even if they don't understand why you would smoke. I can see why a non smoker would question it.

But I have plenty of reasons I don't drink much and I wouldn't dream of saying to someone they should really cut down on the vinos for dinner.

[Zacs-Master]

Is it true that thinking about quitting makes you aggressive?

[ummmm]

It is none of their business if it's not effecting them.

[Baldric]

Yeh, right, now you mention it,




when are you going to quit?
;o)

[EvianBaby]

Duno Zac, I'm always a moody bitch.

[Zacs-Master]

Nice one.

[tinkerbell23]

It shouldnt be. At work im obliged to offer smoking cessation but i wouldnt dream of it outside of work live & let live!! I just stau away from any smoke blown out cos it sticks to my hair! Hehe.

I agree with your point - and with obesity x

[woofgang]

I agree EB....If your smoke isn't going up my nose, its not my business.

I am afraid that my response would have been nicked from Churchill's

"I can become a non smoker but you will always be a rude git"

[woofgang]

edit: and if you aren't someone I care for deeply and would be shattered to lose from lung cancer or other smoking related illness.

[EvianBaby]

Lol. I did go out for a cig while he was here but I walked down to the other end of the yard to do it which is about 100m away. If he could smell it from there with the office doors and windows closed then he has a bigger issue than me.

I just gets my goat. You have to be all PC about how you talk to other sections of society but smokers are fair game. Them and gingers. Try being both, like me! ;)

[Ellipsis]

Reasons people will ask you to quit include:

1) They care about you
2) They care about those around you
3) They care about themselves and your impact on them

The same reasons do apply to over-eating and over-drinking, but there's no such thing as over-smoking - there's just smoking - so smokers get it in the neck sooner. Rightly so, IMO. :)

[EvianBaby]

The fish man had another lady with him yesterday. Sob.

[cazzz1975]

you can smell cigarettes on a person for quite a while after they have had a cigarette

[CAMD]

Unfortunately we live in a society where smoking will never be accepted. It is mainly because of the health risks, and smell quite frankly. I completely agree alcohol in this day and age is a much bigger killer but it is it socially more acceptable. It is something you just have to grin and bear and politely tell people to mind there own business. From one smoker to the other :)

[EvianBaby]

Ellipsis - None of those would apply to the IT guy this morning.

I believe in most cases it's simply a moment people like to jump on their high horses.