Guy to Girl: "Got a light??"

My answer is: No, I don't smoke.

We've been sitting at the table across from them for the past 2 hours. Did they see me light up a cigarette? Of course, we were surrounded by other tables of smokers. For some crazy reason, he decided to ask me, the one person without a cig.

I overheard the other guy at the table exclaim, "I don't smoke, but I have a lighter."

Right. He says that, but what he actually means is: "I have a lighter, so I can go up to girls and offer it to them."

My female friend offers, "The guy just wants to talk to you."

I respond, "Does he seriously think a non-smoker would be interested in a smoker? It's not the first time I've heard that line. Can't guys come up with something more thoughtful or original?"

You may think I'm harsh. Tonight I wished that California would extend the law to ban smoking everywhere. You smokers out there in the blogosphere might be gasping (for fresh air) right now, but I don't like inhaling your pollution. I have a few friends who smoke, but that's all they will ever be. I don't date smokers. My female friend chimes in, "If I wanted to date a smoker, I can just lick an ashtray." Good point.

What is wrong with smoking?

• Bad for health
• Waste of money
• Cause for teeth yellowing
• Premature aging
• No effect on me, besides gasping for fresh air
• Don't want to stand outside in the cold for a smoke (I don't how smokers survive during the winter, but at least it doesn't snow in California)
• I've got other evils that are more enjoyable and affordable, i.e. drinking and shopping
• Do I need to list more reasons?

I apologize to all the smokers if you have been offended here. Go ahead and smoke, but it's simply not for me. I laugh at the ad on the cigarette box: "Smoking kills." Like that will stop someone. Let me know if I'm too harsh, but I do think I'm being honest and realistic.