Talking to smokers about smoking
What to do and what to say when smoke bothers you
It’s not always easy to tell smokers that we’re bothered by their smoking. Here are a few tips to help you deal with this type of situation respectfully, while asserting yourself as a non-smoker.
What if you host a meal for family, friends or co-workers, and one of them lights a cigarette at the end of the meal?
Politely ask the person to go outside to smoke, and point out that exposure to second-hand smoke can be harmful to health. Take a simple, direct approach – for example, “I’d prefer you to smoke outside, please. Second-hand smoke can be very harmful to non-smokers.”
What if you accept a lift in a smoker’s car, and the person asks whether you mind if he or she smokes?
You could say: “I know it’s your car and I appreciate your company. But I’d prefer you not to smoke during the trip. Why don’t we stop more often, so you can smoke then?” You can make a similar suggestion if a smoker asks to smoke in your car.
Whatever the situation, if you’re bothered by someone else’s smoke you can always remind them that there are free resources available throughout Québec to help them quit.