How to Smoke Without Apology

Although smokers are under attack from all sides, it is possible to smoke without apology. Become informed about civil rights and freedom of choice issues. Prepare for the next attack with knowledge and common sense.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

1. Smoke in a courteous way. Smoke only in designated smoking areas and be considerate of others; don't blow smoke towards anyone, put your ashes and butts in a safe container and pick up after yourself. Clean ashtrays after use to stop lingering smoke odors.
2. Respond with a smile when someone tells you that smoking is bad for you. Tell that person that heart disease is the number one killer and most heart disease is purely preventable. Tell that person that eating fatty foods and lack of exercise is an intentional act, as is smoking. As a result, you are both behaving in ways that are bad for you, but you are both adults and have the right to do so.
3. Stop lying when someone asks if you are trying to quit smoking. If you have no intention of stopping, be an adult and tell them so. Pretending that you want to quit smoking only offers an apology in a different way.
4. State the facts when attacked about the cost of health care for smokers. Inform the attacker that smokers pay high federal, state and local taxes, which are then transferred to help pay the cost of medical care for non-smokers. Inform the attacker that the cost of medical care for smokers is no higher than the cost of cardiac care from heart disease or the cost of alcoholism.
5. Explain to the attacker that smoking is not illegal and that as an adult, you have the freedom of choice to smoke or not smoke. Explain to the attacker that smoking falls under the rights of "liberty" and "the pursuit of happiness" and is a civil right. Remind the attacker that alcohol can also cause harm to the drinker and others, but it is not illegal either. Explain that as an adult, you choose to smoke just like they might choose to be a couch potato, eat fatty foods or drink alcohol.
6. Stop apologizing for your adult choice to smoke. Inform the attacker that you don't attack them for their eating or drinking habits and ask them to stop attacking you. Stand up for the freedom to choose, even if it's bad for you.