Wednesday, April 17, 2002

Smoking and Sex

Great interview of Iain Gately, the author of Tobacco: A Cultural History of How an Exotic Plant Seduced Civilization, at Salon in the Sex section.

I can't stand smokers.

This article is worth reading though. Gately riffs on everything from Indian fertility rites involving tobacco to literature's first reference to the post coital cigarette.

Funny personal smoker story...

Last night I was in my favorite water hole after seeing my first ever Spurs game.

I'm belly up to the bar having a black and tan, contemplating putting quarters on the pool table -- when this man dramatically hops from his bar stool three down into the bar stool beside me.

I had noticed him earlier, but was not giving him a come hither eye or vibe. He wasn't immediately appealing during my initial survey of the patrons and seeing him light up a cigarette immediately canked him.

So I was surprised he approached me. He went through his pick up patter. I was my normal crushing self. He held up tolerably well and began singing the praises of smart women.

In five minutes or less he asked if I was interested... in what I am not sure, but I answered I was not interested in him at all.

He looked shocked and like a kicked puppy and then asked why...

--- Because you smoke.

--- But I will quit for you.

--- You're an addict and quitting for someone never works.

--- I won't smoke around you.

--- Sorry, still not interested.

He left in a huff. (*hee, so punny*)

This actually happens to me frequently.

But I have two firm rules -- I don't fish in the married man ocean and smokers suck. A woman has to have standards, after all.

posted by Bohica at 2:39 PM