Spiritual Endeavor

I don’t say this with sarcasm or with a Harvey Fierstein husky voice. I have never been a smoker. I was around it enough with my Mother. She even smoked when I was in her womb. She swore that if she didn’t I would have been a 10 lb. baby. I came out about 7 lbs and some change. I think she exaggerated. To the non-smoking establishment it may seem strange to say I think smokers are some of the friendliest people I have met, but I find this to be very true.

I just went out to our patio at work to eat in the sun. No less than 2 minutes I was in conversation with a woman smoker. After coming in, a guy whom I pass by his office everyday was walking up stairs behind me. He was a smoker too. He and I had a mini conversation about how long he has worked here. I guess I attract friendly people. I tend to calm those who may other wise not be. I also am very open and would have a conversation with anyone if I am not too tired and even then I will probably say Hi at the very least. People can sense if they are being judged on their behaviors, even smoking. I don’t like to judge cause I don’t want to be judged for being the crazy person that I am. The devils advocate inside me wants freedom of choice and expression. That generally will out weight any dislike I may have for various behaviors.

I learned about smokers being friendly early on. My Mom and I when we worked together would go on smoke breaks. Other fine friends of mine I would follow for the 3-5 or 15 minute break depending on how stressful things are going. Maybe I am a closet second hand smoker? It was always nice to feel included even if I wasn’t a smoker. In 7th grade I would hang out with the stoners and smokers even when I didn’t partake. I guess I gave off a vibe of not really fitting in and all of us on the outside “smoking” were always looking in on what so was not cool about everybody else. LOL Not that I didn’t get ridiculed all through out my young adult life on how I smelt like an ashtray. Sadly I didn’t get the nicotine fix to quell my pain I felt by called out for something that was not under my control. *tear* I guess the good news is that I will never have to try to quit. : )

I don’t think smokers are the only friendly people in the world but are some of the first that will hold a door, have a chat, and offer something of value to them. (a cig or lighter)

My friends come in various shades of smoke. Non-Social-Frequent-I am gonna die if I don’t have one now. All are warm, very friendly, would give their last smokes to you or share. So I say smoke up or at the very least say Hi to your fellow human. Smoker or Non!

Love and Hugs,
Jen