There are large free standing ash trays outside most buildings. They are there for the convenience of smokers who can’t smoke in the buildings. Usually you can see three or four folks standing there (often in the cold and rain) puffing away and chatting. I wonder what they chat about.
This may be the only place these people get to see each other. They may be from different floors, maybe even different companies. But they do have one thing in common, they smoke.
Do they talk about the latest advances in cures for cancer and heart disease? Do they share the location of stores that sell packs for $4.95 rather than $5.15? How about the relative tastes of Virginia Slims vs Marlboro.
“Did you see that Robert Downey Jr actually ‘lit up’ in that new movie last week.” or “I understand that they are passing a law that I won’t be able to smoke in my house, or at the park. What’s with that?”
I guess if you think about it, there is a lot to share if you smoke.
I will tell you one thing. My experience is that people who smoke are interesting, fun, and have a ‘don’t give a damn’ attitude you have to respect. I sometimes join them in their little groups. But I do tend to stand upwind.
JVH
