To think that it's rude to spark up a cigarette when you're cramped with a dozen other people under a small balcony?

[Lira]

I was in town today and the rain came on very heavily. I dashed over to a wall that had a balcony over it. There were already five other people standing there and over the space of ten minutes, 5-7 other people came over.

We were all clearly waiting on the rain to stop, and there was that horrible awkward silence going on. We were squashed uncomfortably together (imagine the size of an average bus shelter), and just kept doing that weird smile/nod thing to each other.

Anyway, one of the ladies standing in the middle decided to pull out a cigarette and start puffing away. Again, no one said anything but she was getting a few looks. After a minute, three people moved away from her so that they were half-under the balcony, and getting wet. She then proceeded to spread out a bit more, and no longer stood quite so hunched (note - she was already taking up the most room because of her pushchair and gazillion bags; she was one of the last to arrive but had no issue with sqishing past people to get nearest the back of the wall)

And after reading another thread on here about how people make up stories so they can say YABU...

I've considered the fact she might have been anxious about being in a small space and needed a cigarette to relax.

I realise she might be an addict and could have sparked up subconsciously.

I also know we were outside so she was perfectly within her rights.

And taking all of this into account, i still think it was selfish. I've now got a horrible taste of cigarette smoke in my mouth that I can't get rid of and dd said she can smell it on my clothes.

YANBU, but I'd be a bit more concerned about the child in the buggy than your jumper, TBH.

Yabu because it's Friday

Thanks for your opinions, everyone. Glad to see the majority think i wasn't BU

Tethersend - the little girl in the buggy had a raincover, so the smoke didn't seem to be going into her.

It was too windy for an umbrella, and the rain came on quite suddenly, so i don't think many people brought waterproofs. I did though! had my big waterproof coat on but the hood is too big and always falls down, and my hair becomes an afro when wet, which is why i'd rather take shelter.

Just to add - I'm not in any way saying all smokers are like this - just this one.

yarnb - hurry up and ban all smoking in all public places. it's disgusting. i can't stand people smoking anywhere near me. i cross the road to avoid people walking who are smoking. i dont go to friends houses if they smoke.

its revolting and on a par with the smell of shit.

at myfristkitchen, bit strong there, give me the smell of smoke any day rather than a sewer

I'm a chain smoker and I would not have done this

For anyone like me that likes smoking but knows it's so damaging {50 tomorrow and said, that's it, I want to see my grandkids grow up without being attached to an oxygen lung} I sent for an E cigarette the other day and do you know what, it's the best substitute I have ever found. It's obviously not the real thing but it gives me that hit I crave and I can still do the hand to mouth thing.

Clipped Phoenix- thanks for the tip- I was wondering if they were worth getting.

OP- YANBU. I am a smoker (but will stop soon promise) and I would never dream of lighting up near anyone in crowded place. It's just plain rude. If the smoker in your OP had wanted a fag that badly she should have gone into the rain and had one so that her fag didn't affect people. Bit of rain doesn't hurt.

YANBU.

It really is worth giving it a go YOS. I've tried patches, gum, even the mind altering things like zyban and hated them all. I found a site that gave me the cigarette thingy/usb charger and two cartridges for £13 including postage. I've never been so hopeful of giving up this terrible habit before.

YANBU and I am a smoker.

However a bit over the top about tasting it unless you had a quick puff yourself. As for smelling it on your clothes, good job you weren't in pubs until the ban. Then your whole being would really stink.

I might have done the same though and had a smoke, but smokers are genuinely selfish in this respect.

I gave up for five years and gradually fell off the wagon last year Phoenix. I am keen to stop. In the past what stopped me was Allen Carr and getting pregnant but I can only try one of those methods again! Thanks again and good luck. Nicotine is a bitch that doesn't let go easily.

It was a public space and not illegal. OP get over yourself YABU

YANBU.

I used to smoke and occasionally still do (sorry if you're reading this Mum!). That kind of behaviour is really twatty in my opinion. If it was in a smokers area eg in a bar then I'd think "tough" but it wasn't. Also,as an occasional smoker,I would rather be smoking my own than inhaling somebody else's. You only get the most vile bit second hand!

I'm an ex smoker, I would never have done this. I did get shirty with someone who moaned at me for smoking when I was already sitting there smoking minding my own business when they sat down but would never light up in a crowd. It's like smoking in the queues at theme parks. Not on at all.

I'm a smoker and I wouldn't have done this because it's just basic consideration for others IMO.

oh you poor little hen, how are your poor delicate lungs now? perhaps a trip to A&E? just to make sure? can you still taste it? god that must be terrible! i dont know how you have coped ALL day with it! FFS!!!

YANBU, I hate smoking. If I am driving and someone is on the pavement smoking, I move over to the other side of the road so I don't breathe in any of the 2nd hand smoke.

all the smokers who are getting wound up about people saying they smell! hilarious! if you wanna smoke, smoke, but don't be so bloody rude to blow it all over people! At least if someone does a bit stinky fart it doesn't linger on their clothes and hair and others around you.

I personally move continents in order to avoid smokers who think that what they are doing is acceptable just because they are outdoors. I think it shocking that a perfectly legal activity is deemed to be somehow acceptable, especially with all of that fresh air around you.

YANBU

For those who are so militant about anti smoking I do have to wonder about you though to be fair. To hate something so much is a bit worry and says a lot about what sort of person you are.

I bet you were all standing by a busy road with cars that were emitting stuff that is much more harmful (and foul smelling) than tobacco smoke.

Always makes me wonder, ever since I saw the big signs in Utah saying that smoking is illegal within 10 feet (or something) of doorways, but they had the massive SUVs left on and parked in front of said doorways...

I absolutely hate it and I think it justified by the smell and the damage it produces. What non-smoker wants to be around cigarette smoke? I think that says about me that my nose works normally and I am not keen to get lung cancer. Not much more than that really.