Image from Commons.Wikimedia.Org For those of us who are non-smokers, it can be hard to be around a habit that we disagree with and genuinely find unpleasant. When we're trying to enjoy a nice meal on a restaurant patio, it can be hard to decipher the taste of the food from the noxious smell. Or when we're interviewing employees (or even babysitters), it can be hard to jump right in after smelling "the habit" on someone's clothes or breath. So where's the line in discussing someone's personal habit in terms of work and social life?
- If you're in a public place that allows smoking, there isn't really much you can do. The best way to handle a close-quarters situation is to politely relocate.
- If you're in a place where smoking isn't permitted, by all means you should approach the establishment owner or staff to request they put the kibosh on the cigarette smoke filtering your way; you shouldn't have to exchange words with the smoking patron.
- While it is not politically correct to judge someone in an interview by their personal habits, it is your right to discuss how many workday breaks are acceptable, a code of hygiene for client interactions, etc. These things tend to be the largest issues with employees who smoke.
- When you want to address a smoking situation for personal reasons (i.e. babysitters, family visiting your home, etc), feel free to make it clear that you really value the person but dislike the habit. In your own home, you are allowed to set house boundaries, especially when it affects those you love.
Making Etiquette Easy,
Susan K. Medina
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