Smokers

I saw a bumper sticker that read:

Smoking is not a crime.

At first I was nodding in response. Yes! I do get annoyed at smokers - as annoyed as I do at lawbreakers like people who drive while talking on their cell phones, which is dumb, because smoking isn't a crime, like cell driving is.

But then I got mad at the sticker. Just because something isn't a crime doesn't mean you should do it. Eating junk food isn't a crime; neither is getting drunk. But if you eat junk food to the point of obesity where others must take care of you, that is inconsiderate. If you get drunk to the point where you insult people, that is inconsiderate. And, darn it, if you smoke in places frequented by pedestrians, it's inconsiderate!

Most non-smokers smell cigarette smoke, wrinkle their noses, and pass on. I'm one of those annoying allergic people that gets an instant headache when inhaling secondhand cigarette smoke.

Confession: I am one of those people that shakes my head and glares at people who smoke too close to building entrances. Sometimes I even cough, though usually only when I can't help it, because I'm too busy holding my breath.

This is a confession because, no matter how rude someone is being, I have no right to passive-aggressively be rude back. It's not helping the problem; it's merely bestowing disapproval, as if I think smoking strangers will feel guilty for the sickly expression on my face.

I think I have a right to be annoyed when strangers are inconsiderate. But I do not have the right to lecture or correct them - which is why I also have no right to give the sarcastically raised eyebrow or purse my lips menacingly, or ostentatiously cough the smoke out of my delicate pink lungs. I know the whole WWJD thing is overused, but I am positive Jesus wouldn't shake his head disapprovingly when smokers exhale in his face.

Smokers, I feel for you. It must be difficult to find unoccupied places to smoke, especially if you live in Seattle where it rains so much. If you live in Portland you probably get more dirty looks, because the cigarette laws aren't as strict there. It must be inconvenient to enjoy cigarettes; even if you're not actively trying to quit, you probably wish you were addicted to something less expensive and debilitating. You're probably tired of being judged - not only by strangers, but by nagging family members and doctors. Sometimes you probably feel like the world just won't let you have a break.

So, smokers, I'm sorry for my attitude. Even though I'd appreciate it if you were more considerate to others, I was wrong to be inconsiderate in return. My attitude stems from vain conceit, a part of my expert sinful nature that thinks it is better than others. It's wrong; I was wrong; I am wrong. And sometimes I'll forget and hack out a lung right in front of you and your cigarette, and that will be wrong.

Forgive me, please?