(no subject)

[hypatia42]

dawningday frequently has some pretty insightful stuff to say. Last night he said this when I could not get past feeling guilty about pointing out a no smoking sign. "You place a lot of value on individual freedom and also believe in letting people do what they will even if it's bad for them. I can see how that would make standing up for your own needs a little awkward, especially with a group that behaves as put-upon as smokers."

Thinking about this, he is right on all points. I think it would have been much easier to deal with and I would not have felt guilty if the guy had not stormed off when I pointed it out. If he had been able to accept that smoking was not allowed then I could have let it go. Thing is, I was ok with staying at that table outside because there were no smoking signs posted everywhere. If I am in a situation where I know smoking is allowed I make sure to limit my exposure and don't bitch cause I put myself there. I made the choice. He made the choice to smoke. Apparently not to good at accepting the consequences of that choice.

Now I need to figure out how to deprogram the guilt portion of this. People can do what they want. Their choices are their own, right up until those choices start effecting me. Then its no longer ok.