Why do people feel a need to point out that smoking is dangerous to your health to smokers?

Question

Everytime me and my friends who smoke are out in public someone feels the need to point out that smoking is bad to our health. It get's really annoying - we know it is dangerous however we choose to do it anyways. What is a polite way to say to a person - Hey, I know that smoking is bad for me, but its my choice, so butt out! ?!?

Answer 1

It's really annoying, isn't it? This idiot used to accost me on the way to the corner store and lecture me on how expensive smoking was, as if I'somehow overlooked the price when I bought them maybe 365 times a year.

Maybe you could play dumb, and say "Really? Hey, listen to this, Mike, this fellow says smoking is bad for you! Cancer, you say? Heart disease? My lord! How awful! I shall have to give up this despicable habit at the earliest opportunity. I can only pray God that the demon cigarette has not yet placed me in his black and horrid hearse." That way, at least, you'll have some fun.

Or you could take a cue from a cartoon I read years ago in Mad. There's this little kid smoking, and this huffy woman walks up to him and says "Does your mother know you smoke?" To which the boy replies "Does your husband know you're talking to strange men?"

Answer 2

you dont have to be nice ,if they arent stopping this,then you shouldnt be nice and just tell them to butt out .some people are annoying and you should just tell them right away what u feel

Answer 3

Frankly it is your d**n business if you want to smoke or not. I hate it when people think they have the right to tell you what to do or what not to do. As long as your being respectful of those around you (ie standing a legitimate distance away from buildings, not smoking in crowded places, blowing smoke in peoples faces, etc) you should just tell people that you thank them for their concern but that it's none of their business.  

Answer 4

just say "i know" and if they keep trying to preach, say "i dont care" keep it short and sweet :)

people tell me that my tattoo on my right leg makes me look like a L*****n. i say "i know" then they ask me why i got it and if i care i say "cuz i wanted to and i dont care"

people are just trying to be helpful. i lost both of my parents to lung cancer, and i still smoke. its really hard to quit. they have good intentions when they tell you this, but, they cant be stupid enough to know that you DONT know that its harmful.