How to Deal With Secondhand Smoke

People that do not smoke hate it when there is second hand smoke constantly in their faces. However, smoking cigarettes is completely legal so how do you deal with it?

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• The ability to leave when all else fails.

1. There are several ways to deal with second hand smoke. Obviously the first choice is simply to just avoid it. Like it or not smoking is legal and you can not force others to quit if they don't want to.
2. However, for those few times when it can not be avoided, there are a few tricks to deal with it. First of all if your in a situation where you have no say about it try not to be reproachful, condescending, or confrontational about it. Doing so would only make the smokers angry. Try to view them as addicts rather than just jerks blowing smoke in your face.
3. Option one, most smokers will ask a non-smoker "do you mind if I smoke?" If you feel obligated to give them the go ahead then just say something like, " I don't mind as long as the smoke is not being blown in my face." This usually let's the smoker know in a polite way that while they may smoke it should be blown away from you. By "allowing it" your creating goodwill with the smoker and they will be more likely to respect your wishes and keep the smoke away from you.
4. Option two, if your in an enclosed space conversing with smokers suggest taking the discussion outside "for some fresh air". Another really good excuse is to say "man, I am so hot in here" then crack a window or door open, or again suggest stepping outside.
5. Positioning yourself for the least amount of exposure is another great tactic. Cigarette smoke tends to flow directionally and then upwards. Look at a lit cigarette and determine the direction the smoke is taking, then stand on the out skirts of the room in the opposite direction. If it is informal try sitting on the floor, the smoke always ends up on the ceiling so you should be relatively safe there.
6. Another trick is drinking refreshments. Whatever is available or carry your own water. Drink up and hit the rest room often for a couple of minutes of fresh air. One of the best ways to get someone to turn on a fan or crack a window when your a guest is to say "can we crack a window/turn on a fan because the smoke is burning my eyes." Why does this work? Smokers hate it when the smoke gets in their eyes too. A lot of smokers complain of smoke in their eyes to other smokers, you can too.
7. There are many people out there that have severe reactions to smoke allergies. Be one of them, or at least pretend to be. Stand as far from it as you can and claim to have a severe allergy to it. Work some watery eyes up the first couple times if you have to. Most smokers will respect that and try to give you a break since its a medical condition and your not just trying to give them a hard time because your a non-smoker.
8. Always try to be polite about it all, especially if your standing in what I call a pack of smokers. Be respectful of their habit even if your really not. They are just like everybody else and are more likely to respect your space if you respect their right to smoke. Don't make big scenes or fusses over it because if they think your being self righteous or preaching to them, they will most likely blow every single bit of that cigarette in your direction.
9. If you have a say in whether or not smoking is allowed, like in your home or vehicle let every one know that while they can smoke out on the porch/deck/or yard they can not smoke inside your house/car, for health reasons of course.
10. When all else fails, you can always leave the area or room. Which health wise until smoking is outlawed avoidance is probably your best bet.

Tips & Warnings

• If you have smoking guests in your home allowing them to smoke outside really is the most peaceful out.
• They will be happy they can smoke, and your house will not reek of smoke.
• If you do send them outdoors take the time before hand to fill an old coffee can with sand and or dirt/water.
• Trust me, if you send them out to smoke, you WANT them to have an ashtray.