US government and the media was instrumental in convincing most Smoking etiquette that a lit cigarette, cigar, or pipe was a deadly menace that could wreak havoc on anyone that happened to be sharing a common Smoking etiquette

1. Cigarette holder smoking
There's no question about it. In regard to lighting up in public anywhere or at any time, society
has clearly changed. Around 20 years ago, a clever anti-smoking campaign orchestrated by the
US government and the media was instrumental in convincing most nonsmokers that a lit
cigarette, cigar, or pipe was a deadly menace that could wreak havoc on anyone that happened to
be sharing a common airspace.

2. What resulted was as follows: Nonsmokers suddenly seemed to develop
olfactory senses that could rival predatory sharks. Virtually overnight,
previously unheard-of claims of being able to smell the most minuscule
traces of tobacco smoke materialized out of thin air. It didn't matter
whether or not smokers and nonsmokers coexisted in harmony for
decades before. You see, once someone is told that their very health and
livelihood are being threatened by any means, it not only renders
hysteria, but such information has the ability to transform an attitude
of indifference into one of pure hostility. In short? Once the majority of
the nonsmoking population was swayed into believing that a few
drifting whiffs of smoke were as potentially deadly as a loaded gun, their
imaginations ran wild. Thus today, you have nonsmokers claiming that
they can detect tobacco smoke from opposite sides of buildings, moving
cars, behind closed doors, and now, even outside! A mere quarter of a
century ago, such an acquired skill would have been unthinkable and
even laughable.
Despite the pleas on behalf of smoker's rights groups, it is now safe to
say that a return to reason, a return to fair accomodation for both
smokers and nonsmokers as was observed for decades by designated
smoking and nonsmoking areas in public venues, is not going to happen.
The nonsmokers, or rather, the anti-smoking faction within, won. Those
who smoke have now and forever been all but ostracized from society.
Sad as it is, lifelong smokers have no choice but to accept this fact and
hope that things don't get worse.
In order to prevent this figurative dividing wall from becoming a totally
opaque and impassable barrier, it is imperative that certain rules of
etiquette on the part of smokers be followed, for on a grand scale, a
failure to do so will likely result in the outlawing of smoking altogether.
The good old days are gone. No Smoking signs can now be found in
abundance just about everywhere. Thus, smokers must bite the bullet
and refrain
Thou Shalt Inquire.

3. The power of persuasion lies in accessorization. With your cigarette case in hand, open
to reveal both content and intent, the five golden words of opportunity:
"Do you mind if I...?"
If the answer is anything that remotely sounds like "yes", extricate yourself graciously
from the attending company and enjoy your smoke à seule. (Alternatively, find more
accommodating friends.)
Practice Generosity
When the answer is "No", or even better, "Please do", inquire, with generous intent,
again. Extend the case. The actual question is generally unnecessary if you have the
knack of the inquisitive eyebrow. If Botox has rendered you incapable of such intricate
facial maneuvering, a simple "Cigarette?" will suffice.
Helpful Hint for the Hopeful: To thoroughly impress your Lady, include a number of her
cigarettes in your cigarette case alongside your preferred brand.
The Light Bringer
Consider this: Before melon massage in the grocery, text messaging, and the Mile High
Club, seduction was subtle, sensuous, and often accompanied by an unlighted cigarette
in the slender beringed fingers of a glamourous woman. The art of flammable flirting
need not be relegated to history lessons.
Again, accessorize appropriately. An attractive lighter (not paper matches or, perish the
thought, a Bic - and an unadorned Zippo only if you've just crawled off your Harley,
please) extended halfway to the lady (she moves toward the flame - her eyes should
smoulder, her eyelashes should not), offers the opportunity for the first caress - her
fingertips against your hand. If more than the lighter sends up sparks, proceed with
your courting, Tiger.
The Devil Makes Me Do It
Very few things are less attractive than the furtive floundering of the apologetic
smoker. By all means, be a polite smoker - the social graces should never be forgotten
- but let's not be a cringing ninny about it. Unless you have inadvertently exhaled in
close proximity to an infant in an iron lung, there is nothing for which you should be
sorry - or ashamed. Behave accordingly.
Cigar(etiqu)ette - Smoking Etiquette for the Modern Gentleman
Saying Grace
Second to the post-coital cigarette, the post-prandial smoke is arguably the most
enjoyable in the case. (Compared to the former, the latter generally has a greater
capacity to offend, assuming your bedroom does not boast service for twelve.)

4. Your dining companions may order, and will likely enjoy, a well-smoked salmon. It is
doubtful that they will enjoy a salmon that smokes well. Verb tense becomes
surprisingly important at mealtimes.
Your best bet: Enjoy your Marlboro Cigarettes after-dinner cigarette...after dinner.
More Information:
Smoking and health
Questions About Smoking, Tobacco, and Health
Cigarette Online
Cigar Smoking
Tobacco-Related Cancers Fact Sheet
National organizations and Web sites*
If you are trying to quit smoking and need help, contact the American Cancer Society or one of
these other sources of information and support:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Office on Smoking and Health
Toll-free smoking cessation line: 1-800-784-8669 (1-800-QUIT-NOW)
TTY: 1-800-332-8615
Online help for quitting: www.cdc.gov/tobacco/quit_smoking/how_to_quit/index.htm
Free phone-based coaching that can help you quit smoking; Web site also links to other
online quitting resources
National Cancer Institute
Toll-free number: 1-800-422-6237 (1-800-4-CANCER) for cancer information
Web page: www.cancer.gov
Tobacco quit line: 1-800-784-8669 (1-800-QUIT-NOW)
Smoking cessation online: www.smokefree.gov
Has a lot of quitting information, tools to help you quit, and offers free live support. Go
to smokefree.gov to sign up for SmokefreeTXT. This service provides 24/7
encouragement, advice, and tips to help you stop smoking for good.
American Heart Association
Toll-free number: 1-800-242-8721 (1-800-AHA-USA-1)
Web site: www.americanheart.org
Has tips for how to quit smoking and why you should do it at www.everydaychoices.org
or by calling 1-866-399-6789