If I came up and coughed in your face, you’d probably be pretty disgusted, right?
So why is it acceptable for smokers to breathe out their carcinogenic crap in close proximity to people who choose not to indulge in this revolting habit?
My family and friends spent last weekend at a local event that raised funds for the Cancer Council.
It was a beautiful occasion, well organised and with great people.
Ironically, every time we left or entered the venue we had to walk through a crowd of pig-headed puffers who somehow thought their clouds of cancer-causing smoke wouldn’t be a problem for anyone else.
In fact, there was so much I left the event with a headache and sore throat.
These people clearly have a strong moral compass; otherwise they wouldn’t spend 24 hours at an event to commemorate those lost to cancer and to raise funds to fight this insidious disease.
But put a cancer stick in their hand and they become inconsiderate idiots who not only ignore the enormous “no smoking” sign a few metres away from them but also think the pile of butts forming in the mud is acceptable.
What is it about smoking that makes people act like morons?
Why do they suddenly ignore all the usual societal conventions to behave in a way that is detrimental to not only their health, but all those around them?
It’s bad enough being near them occasionally while out and about, but imagine living with someone like this.
Despite the first line of this column, I’ll restrain myself from coughing at you if you smoke near me because I won’t drag myself down to your level.
Instead, as the Cancer Council urges, call the Quitline and save your lungs – and ours.
Emma Sutcliffe is a local freelance writer who blogs at littleriveremma.com
