First Time Smoking in Public

[nsfisher]

I am never outdoors without a pipe in my mouth. I do not care where I am, or what company I am in. In Canada, there is no such thing as smoking indoors(except home). So outside, in town, on the street, in my yard, etc, all equal "pipe hanging out of face". The comments? Who cares.

 

[juni]

I do feel a bit selfconscious about it and I rather smoke at home. Weird how ingrained it is to care what other people think about you.

 

[pitchfork]

I'm always considerate of others, but I don't remember feeling self-conscious about smoking outside in public (except for the fact that I'm still fairly young). I've never heard a negative comment about the pipe, at least where I could hear it. I even smoke around the kids, babies included. My kids, I mean.
I think it may depend a good deal on where you live and what kind of situations you choose to smoke in. For example, a flea market would involve a lot more close contact with others than, say, out walking the dog or whatever.
Still, there are many people, I'm sure, who want and expect smokers to feel ashamed and uncomfortable.

 

[pitchfork]

"up-state" in the mid-west? Must be Indiana or Illinois, no?

 

[fshu2]

i think of it this way. the people who dont like it you really do not want to be around any way. so let the pipe cut through the smoke of who your real friends are.

 

[barkar]

When I am home and outside I smoke away no worries. When I know I'm going to be when non smokers are about, I usually smoke an aromatic and most times I get told how nice it smells rather then why am I smoking.

 

[mp31guitar]

I used to be the same way and even posted a similar thread about a year ago. Now, it's not a big deal for me to light up in public. People are mostly curious about it and some love the smell. That's just the ones who aren't to busy to notice someone smoking a pipe. Light up and enjoy.

 

[pipewife]

I don't think hubby or I have noticed other people when we are out walking with our pipes. Hubby does say his coworkers think it's cool he's either smoking a cigar or a pipe while they are puffing on cigs.

 

[hiplainsdrifter]

The nice thing about a pipe is if you find yourself in a situation where the smoke might bother someone you can just clamp your hand over the bowl and let it go out, then relight at your discretion. Can't do that with a stoge. I actually prefer to smoke a pipe in semi-private settings- I don't smoke that much, so if I am smoking walking down the street, it would probably be just to show off, which doesn't sound good.

 

[tjameson]

I'm 25, live in California, and smoke my pipe in very public places nearly everyday not once have I had a rude or condescending comment. Old women love it, old men are reminded of days long past, and people my age think it's cool. I say have at it and just be prepared for the conversation it may spark.

 

[lordofthepiperings]

I am a little self conscious about smoking in public. I do wonder what people think about it, but if I'm in an area that allows me to puff away I will continue to puff away. If people don't like it they can leave.

 

[smokey422]

I can't believe no one has had this experience: you are approached by a nubile young woman in a college town and she tells you how much your pipe reminds her of her grandfather. Then follows a short conversation when your pipe is the center of attraction. Does an old body good!
Smokey

 

[judcole]

If I wanna smoke in public, I do it and don't think anything of it. Usually, if I do, I am driving somewhere. No big deal.

Congrats and more power to the guys here who are venturing forth for the first time. Enjoy it.