I think smokers are just so selfish

[lawofselfish]

Not just because of the disgusting smell, but because of everything needing 10/15 mins advance notice.

'Yes I'm ready, just nipping out for a cigarette and then we can go' etc.

Really annoying.

I used to smoke, I know people can quit.

But as I said, being addicted is no fun, so I don't think 'selfish' is the right word. It takes multiple times for most smokers to quit - because it is not easy.

Apart from the strain you and the other morons are putting on the NHS.

😫

MolliciousIntent what disgusting ableist language. You do know that it's not acceptable to use that terminology these days. Don't you? Time to educate yourself.

And don't worry. Smokers more than pay for their care. And some of yours too. Maybe the share allocated to you could be used to send you on a course to learn about language and discrimination.

I've done 2 home visits to clients today and come home stinking of smoke. It's horrible. My hair and clothes stink of it. Through years of smoking they have made themselves so ill and disabled they can no longer get out to come to one of our offices so need a home visit. They obviously aren't smoking whilst I'm there but it is just thick in the air. I bring forms back from them to photocopy and my desk stinks of smoke just having the papers. It's horrible. I do understand it's an addiction but blimey the amount some people must be smoking to stink that much. Then they ask for a food bank referral. Sorry I know I am being judgemental , it has been a bad day and I stink and my throat is sore just from breathing stale cigarette smoke most of the day.

The behaviours described here are of selfish people who happen to smoke.
Most of the smokers I know cause me no inconvenience. Some of the non smokers I know are unpunctual, and some make me feel sick with their smell of BO or overpowering perfume/aftershave.

No one has to start smoking, people choose to, so I have no sympathy when they get some horrible disease. My Dad smoked and it killed him in the end and yeah, you all stink rotten whether you believe it or not.

I was so glad when the smoking ban came in. I'd come home from a night out - dinner, bar, club, whatever - and I didn't wake up in a bed stinking of smoke, with it clinging to my hair and clothes and hanging about the room.

When we were househunting, some houses really smelled of smoke. A couple had a clear "smoking room". No sales. We knew we'd never get rid of it.

I think if you're used to it, you don't realise how strong it is or how it really does stick to everything. If I spent an evening with someone with bad breath or BO, it would be unpleasant but it wouldn't come home with me.

I have such contempt for smokers that if I'm ever asked for a lighter in public I just gesture vaguely to the condition of my skin and hair which clearly show I'm not faggy

Seemingly not given they've seen you and still asked you for a light.

Considering their low intellect to start the habit I'm never surprised :)

I don't think I've ever been asked for a light. I'm often asked for spare change though. I don't know if this means I look rich and pretty, but I'm totally going with it. Yeah!

I have a lot if trauma in my past and I have only recently been diagnosed with ADHD (in my 50s!). I smoke because if I didn't I would be doing something far worse. I work in the CJS and when they made prisons smoke free, drug use surged. Some people don't need a "crutch" to get through life, good for you. But some people do. A lot of those people do become drug addicts or alcoholics. Some like me, manage to stick to "just" cigarettes.

Obviously that isn't true of all smokers. But for me it's not even about "addiction". I've heard champix is very good and if I really wanted to stop I could just go and see the GP (if I could get an appointment!). I've worked with drug addicts and its not about just getting them off drugs, you need to address the trauma, help them find something healthy to replace that "high". No smoking cessation products will do that for me.

I'd love to have that motivation but, facing another weekend alone, not much to look forward to. Its hard. But hey, at least my solitary self won't be bothering anyone with my stink.

@Fuwari Well said. Behind all addiction is trauma. Treat the trauma, not the addiction. The addictive substance of choice is merely a symptom of underlying/untreated trauma.

Seemingly not given they've seen you and still asked you for a light.

🤣

I would never ask any 1 for a lighter, have loads in my coat pocket

You could just say "No, sorry"

Tax payer money well spent! 👏

Our hospital you have to go off site.

In a hospital I'd say that's very reasonable.

Fuwari your smoking might have been trauma induced but a lot of smokers don’t have significant trauma in their life to speak of. Loads of them come from comfortable homes and loving families. I know people from childhood who smoke and they had better upbringing than most, no trauma whatsoever. They just smoke because they want to and lack the mental discipline to quit it.

Solidarity with you, Fuwari. I’m also facing another weekend alone, as I do every weekend. Cigarettes for me are a small comfort and a crutch. Sending my best to you.

No one cares if you stop smoking or not. We just don't want you doing it around us.

You sound awfully defensive and aggressive. Is this thread upsetting you?

I hate walking past a smoker especially as they are exhaling. I try waving the smoke away from my face then I look like rude one. It's so vile.

Thanks for the suggestion. I did try vaping or e-cigarettes when they first came out but even the mild ones hurt my throat (ironic!). At the time they also didn't work out much cheaper either. Maybe they do now.

As I said, I can happily go hours without - it doesn't bother me that we're not allowed smoke breaks at work.