Is It Weird That I Take Extra Deep Breathes When Someone Smokes Next to Me

by Madison Forrest | Photo by: Lizzy Morearty

Breathe in—one, two, three—breathe out—one, two, three. But instead of a yoga class you're just in front of Com wearing an ineffective puffer and no gloves. The days are short and cold. I get why people smoke, and I honestly appreciate them for it. I studied abroad in Madrid, Spain for a semester so believe me I get it. I was in Europe, I get it!! But I don’t indulge. My not so sneaky and so very dramatic deep inhale around a smoker is somewhat of a salute to their cause and an indulgence of my own. 

Hypothetically, one could ask passersby on a night out for a drunk cig. One could even frequent the phrase, “I’ve never smoked a cigarette before. Can I try one?” at the sight of a light or a pack. This does not mean they smoke or even want to. It just happened that way maybe? Breathing in and counting to three could also work to alleviate the longing. It’s also an option not to indulge in the bad habit and leave it in Europe where it belongs, but an option easily forgotten when inebriated. Idk, 67.