To think westerners shouldn't smoke

[TonaldDrump]

On holiday abroad right now in Asia. We've been staying at a resort where there are loads of Scandinavians, Dutch and Brits.

It really bothers me when they just light up in places they'd never do at home. We were sitting in a cafe and someone (Scandinavian) started smoking next to us. A Brit did the same at another restaurant.

Locals, including local tourists I can understand because there isn't a no- smoking culture here but anyone from northern or Western Europe or Northern America should have it ingrained that it's disgusting and unhealthy for those around them and it should be second nature.

It feels like they're just taking advantage even though they know it's anti-social!

It's disgusting, right? Or aibu?

1horatio Civilise is a pejorative term that has cultural connotations. Passive smoking is a matter of medical fact. There is a BIG difference.

The Trade Union movement in the UK works to improve the working conditions of workers in a wide variety of countries. I think this is a good thing.

You didn't make the point about air quality - the argument is still fatuous.

Yes gamerchick people did rejoice and the evidence about the improvement in public health is unequivocal. An improvement in public health is usually regarded by most people as a good thing. Like when sewers were introduced, or the Clean Air Act.

Our town really suffered. The town centre is all greggs, bookies, charity shops and pound shops. The pubs that survived do food and have smoking areas with big fuck off heaters

Cowgirl and gamerchick if you are smoking please puff away. You do have private health insurance though don't you?

I will bet any thing you like that the 'fuck off heater' trade really took off after the smoking ban

I overheard someone the other day saying they were going to buy one as the one they had been stood under at the bugle was awesome

Actually I lived in a village not anymore thankm god and the pubs still died as you could smoke at home plus it was cheaper to buy in and get friends round....

I think our closest town is gradually dying...but i think its more the out of town shopping centre that is putting the nails in the coffin

Its all phone stores

And actually as I am paying a shit load in tax while paying for private dental/medical ....the words fuck you spring to miind

@Cowgirl and Gamerchick: Can I join you?

It did Gowgirl I have a frothometer, the government should take note and start smoking threads all over the internet to bulk out their coffers

I wouldnt join them user they have no pubs

Join me on the dark side....i have pubs, and sloe gin (somewhere)

All welcome user!

Of course user.

YES and phone shops. It's like the twilight zone.

Us filthy smokers are an inclusive bunch

Cowgirl oh dear, I thought I was the one with no sense of humour. You smoker types are all fun and laughter.

As I have said before I have no issues with people choosing to make themselves ill. Although it is said that smokers save the NHS money because they die much earlier and so save the cost of care in their old age. So please, light up - as long as no one else is around.

In all seriousness i dont think i know any smokers any more

I think they all gave up...or never started

My freinds husband used to smoke and he used to sell music equipment. He went to an awards ceremony where you obviously couldnt get near any of the stars

Unless you smoked...he said anyone who was anyone was outside and he was able to join them as a fellow smoker and shoot the shit

Sloe Gin?

user sloe gin is rather delicious.

Rufus, I think it was a native American put a pile of tobacco leaves on a fire and they discovered they liked the smell or something so then they started putting it in peace pipes and then Sir Walter Raleigh brought it back to Europe. Ciggies came later in the late 19th century.

Better than Bombay Saphire? I'll try some?

Aaah thank you user

you can make sloe gin, its much cheaper but you will probably have to wait til next october for the berries

Tastes much nicer homemade

I'll go for some homemade then 😊

I feel the OP by the way they're talking is very young and with their username on here to cause trouble - aka a troll. (Possibly on a gap year travelling the world)

I'm a smoking heathen, I remember sitting in a British smoking area, to be told to move because some eejits decided to sit in the smoking area & dine. A party of 10 verses our party of 4, the higher paying customers won. Was rather beguiling, but I did as requested.

If I was in a smoking country, sat in a place where I was allowed to smoke, of course I would light up. As others have said is local smoke different to the Western variety?

It is bordering on racism for both Eastern folk and Western folk. Why do they get a free pass in your little world? How do you judge which group a person belongs to? I know plenty that have emigrated 'East' and consider themselves locals to where they live. Also Australia, technically Eastern but the folk would be classed as Australiasian. Are you including Eastern Europe too? Would be hilarious if so as their cigarettes are lethal.

You have a lot to learn my dear. You won't be making many long term friends with bat shit crazy ideas like this.

But in all honestly, you wanted to throw something contraversial out there, as you perceived MN to be full of crunchy mums.

I mark your efforts a D- (If such things as geographical smoking traits cause you distress, keep you up at night worrying, please see a GP. They'll be more than happy to help.)

Another thing, if it wasn't for dreaded Western smokers, where do you think the government would get its taxes from? In duty free a £9 pack of cigarettes in the shops, costs £3/£3.50 to take outside the EU.

So do some quick maths, that's quite a mark up of added duty.

Not all smokers get ill, not all smokers use the NHS. I do believe in the early hours of NYD it will be the inebriated filling A&E departments across the land.

I should add I smoke outside at home, I think smoking when people are eating is a bit iffy, but my kids visit their Grandparents who smoke indoors. Their house, their rules, it is rather nice not to be freezing ones extremities off. I should add the kids seldom come in the room as they're in the fields playing. But the doors are open onto the veranda in the sitting room, so smoke doesn't linger.

I think shit load of sugar helps as well

Another killer right there, sugar....

A funny thread, both from the smokers - I'm in your camp, and so true about the great socializing outside smoking - and those getting their knickers in a twist.

Funny that, my mum as a passive smoker popped her clogs at 91. Not from cancer.

On the other hand, a mum friend died of lung cancer at 49, never smoked in her life.

Two people I know who didn't drink or smoke dropped down dead in their mid 50's.

God works in mysterious ways. That's why I enjoy life to the max, smoking, drinking and enjoying a spliff. After all, it could be over tomorrow.

Op should take her next holiday in Bhutan. I believe it's banned completely there, then she can be all smug and not have to post on MN.