As someone remarked above, I am amazed and mortified at the recollection of how oblivious to non-smokers I was in the years I was a smoker. I operated as if I really believed that I could make the explanatory remark "But I smoke" and that meant that I could smoke anywhere I wished.

Oh, and Doug R, I don't agree at all that one should not tell others when one has decided to quit smoking. Keeping the decision secret to me means that one has not actually decided.

All of my four brothers quit smoking before I did. What helped me was when one brother told me to not try anymore, that when I am actually ready to quit it would be much easier.

That is what I did. I still wanted to smoke but I no longer wanted to be a smoker, if that makes sense. So on one Wednesday I told everyone I was quitting on Sunday, and on Sunday night I threw the last pack into the fire, washed all the ashtrays and went to bed.

That was 29 years ago. I still kind of like the smell of a cigarette when it is being smoked outdoors as long as it is not too close, but I am grateful that it is rare to find a smokey public place.