I've noticed this for quite some time: "Reformed" smokers are far worse than those who have never smoked when it comes to objecting to our smoke and, of course, the hatred that accompanies it. One would think the opposite; even feelings of empathy. Who better than an ex-smoker to understand how miserable it is to not be able to smoke without going outside after a big meal at a restaurant or sitting in a plane for 3 or 4 or 5 hours? They of all people should understand why boards such as this exist. Instead, they are far more militant, and this has never made sense to me. Thoughts?
First thought that comes to mind, is that they are trying to deny their own desire to continue smoking by punishing that impulse in others. We continue to enjoy smoking, and since they must live in their self imposed denial, so must everyone else. And I would follow that with those who had a brush with cancer or death abd blamed their smoking on it, whether it was causal, contributory or irrelevant, doesn't matter, they now feel that because they succumbed to whatever, and it MUST have been an outside influence that caused it, they must protect anyone else from this malady, whether they are at risk of it, or would never have to face it. A misplaced sense of "helping" other's. And finally, those who were control freaks before they quit smoking, are even more determined to beat other's into submission.
My ultra-simple take has always been-it's quite simple. They always miss smoking, and are always tempted if they see it or smell it anywhere. They figure if they can't see it or smell it anywhere (including OUTSIDE), they'll never have to worry about being tempted. In other words-they're extremely weak-willed people, so they want the government/cops/law to protect them and keep smokers out of their sight.
In order to continue their keeping the pledge they attack others, not to convince them, but to keep repeating the logic they are using to maintain their own decision. If they keep repeating it over and over then they hope to maintain smoke free.
It is like any reformed person, be they smokers, drinkers, heathens, republicans, or democrats.
Telling others to reform helps them maintain their own redemption.
I have a feeling ex-smokers miss the pleasure associated with it and if they catch a whiff of any cigarette smoke it kicks in their craving to have one. Some should just give in and smoke again because they get on everyone's nerves by being so anti about it.
