How to deal with smoking?

Question

I just moved to another country ( halfway around the world ) from CA, where there isn't too much smoking. Here, however, EVERYONE smokes. I don't like it when people smoke around me. I considerate rude and uncaring. Here, the employees are smoking in restaraunts while working. Instead of a smoking section, there are non-smoking sections. Occassionally. Now, as a I write this, in a cafe, I have a woman sitting next to me on her third cigarette. We're the only two people in the cafe. In a room off to the side. I was here first, when she came and sat next to my table, and started smoking. I don't speak the language. But, I want to know a way to politely ask someone to move or to stop smoking. Is there such a way?

(I've been trying to occasionally fan my nose, to let her know it's bothering me. Actually, I'm not trying to. I'm stopping myself from constantly doing it, and potentially embarrassing her.)

Answer 1

As you fan your nose go faster and faster like a crazy person,she will get the point,That stuff go straight into your nose and lungs it make me feel sick when I smell it.it's not fair, you should put a sign on your lap top where they all can see,NO SMOKING AROUND ME IN THEIR LANUGAGE . I think I spelled that wrong but you get the point.

Answer 2

If you want to live in a country that allows people to smoke anywhere then there is not much that you can do.

I went to Tunisia recently and everyone smokes even the doctors inside their surgeries, people who complained about the smoking were told to bugger off, it's their culture and if you don't like it stay in a country that has restrictions.

Answer 3

Tell her she stinks and to move. If she asks you why? Say "I was here first. Neener neener neeener."

Answer 4

First, there is never a way to politely mention to someone to not smoke. It's rare that a smoker will care to stop just for your sake anyway.

You say that it's a large room, you say that she is sitting next to you. You claim there is no one else there. Move tables. Move far away from her. Do it nicely and without giving nasty looks or any of that. You don't want her to be rude back and follow you.

You can't change another person, only yourself. Stop going to a place that people some in the non smoking section. You are in a country where smoking is permitted most places, thinking it's France? Anyway, you don't have many choices. This is the way the United States used to be before all the smoking bans. Heck, California is way ahead when it comes to not smoking in public, compared to most other states anyway. The only thing you can do is not go to those places. Get your food to go and eat it in your room. Order in.

Since you are in that cafe or wherever, the only thing you can do is politely go find a waiter away from the area and ask him to enforce it. State that you are in the no smoking area, you thought and if they could please ask her to take her smoke to a smoking area. If he says no you can ask to speak to the manager or owner. If they say no, you are out of luck.

Either try to find the places where not many go, or has nice non smoking rooms that are enforced, or stay in. I am an ex smoker and i hate the smell. There's many places that don't get my money or patronage due to smoking, they are here in teh states! I can't stop anyone from smoking, i can only control what i do. I chose not to go to such places. Period. I've given up places i love to go as they have an outdoor part that has smoking that i'd have to pass through to get to inside. Love the food, but love my health even more.

Good luck.  

Answer 5

Unfortunately, there isn't anything you can do, unless you want to be confrontational. Beware of confronting a smoker, they are protective of their rights to smoke. If they have the right to smoke there, wherever you are, they are in the "right" and you would be in the "wrong" to ask them to stop.

If the smoking bothers you, move to another table. It may be an inconvenience, but it's better than being rude and risking a punch in the face.



You may have to move back to the USA, where smoking bans everywhere protect you and your sensitive nose.

Answer 6

You chose to move to the country, so you will have to put up with it or move.

Answer 7

I guess if it is acceptable there, then you have to do other things like move or start wearing a filtered mask.  

Answer 8

Sounds like a great place.