You know, I know this is going to get me hammered, because it seems like so many addicts will kick down on everything that goes against smoking (not all of them, I know... as with many other people, I have friends who smoke, who all wish they could quit, and who are very considerate of me...)

I don't like being around smoke. It's not only 'less than pleasant', as Richard Bridges says, it's very unpleasant - ringing headaches, raspy sore throat, etc. If I'm at a song circle in a pub, I can't sing. I realise my reaction is strong, bordering on allergic. But my point is this: YOU chose to smoke. I respect your right to do that to your own body, etc. Please, by all means, enjoy it. *I* did not chose to smoke. I conciously chose not to smoke. What makes your right to smoke supercede my right not to, and not to have the air around me filled with smoke that makes me sick? If you can tell me that, explain to me why I should not eat in restaurants, go in pubs, or even walk the streets or in the park so that I can avoid your smoke, rather than the consequences going with the ones who made the choices... then I'll stop protesting.

Seriously, though - I don't want to offend people. My question is genuine. I like smokers just as much as i like anyone else - I judge people on who they are, not what they ahve hanging out of thier mouths. Well okay, sometimes, but only if it's raw and bloody. I'm not against YOU - just your cigarettes. And I'm not telling you to quit, although I'm sure it would be more healthy, etc. You can make your own choices. I just don't want you making mine.

-Jessica, ready to duck and run.