A couple who smoke are coming to my NON smoking home. How should I provide an area outside for them?

Question

What if it rains? My husband and I smoked up till 4 years ago when we had children. The couple coming over is my Mom and Step-Father...Usually it isn't a problem but it might rain today and we don't have anywhere protected from the rain for my Step-Father to smoke his cigars. Our garage opens directly into my kitchen so I would rather not open the outer garage door and let him smoke in there. ( I would rather they not smoke where my children might see them smoking at all but that's not realistic)...so what do I do so that they have what they need to smoke but I keep my house smelling clean and smoke free? Is it okay to say, "you have to smoke outside" when it's raining? I guess he could always jump in his truck if the rain were that bad?

Answer 1

I am a smoker and I do not smoke in my own house. Even if I did, I surely would respect (and I do) other peoples homes and wishes. A smoker will find a way either by stepping outside with an umbrella or by going out to their car. It is nice that you are a conscientious hostess but their habit is not and should not be your concern.

Answer 2

Chances are this isn't their first visit to your home...and since you've asked them to step outside before and they've done it, then they know the drill. It's not your issue.

If it is raining heavily, then yes the garage is a nice option - but that's up to you, not them. Ask them to stay closer to the opening, rather than the kitchen door.

As for the kids, before the parents get there, remind the kids that smoking is very bad for you and it will make you sick. Then, just sit back and let them rip. I love it when kids give grown ups grief about smoking.

-- personally, I'd rather let them be in the garage (open and airy) than smoke (closed and disgusting) in their car. It's the smell after they come back in makes me want to vomit.

Answer 3

Is there an overhang on your porch?

The point here is that your parents are adults, and they should understand that you don't smoke any more, and that you don't want smoke around your kids.

I would tell them (nicely) that you still want them to smoke outside....and if it rains, they can figure it out. It's a bit late to be worried about a shelter for them....and I think they will understand that this is your house, and your rules. I am a smoker, and If I go to a friends house and they don't smoke...I go outside. If it's raining...I don't smoke.

Answer 4

Well, you should definitely be a courteous as possible. I myself dont smoke, but smoking is an addiction--and you dont want to come across as being "holier than thou" to your Mom and Step-Dad...I'll put it this way--Me, personally, I do not drink alcohol--nor do I allow it in my home. And how would you feel if I invited you & your husband to my home for a few days, and gave you a big speech about not drinking in "my home". ? You'd think I was a pompous as$.

So, here's what I think you should do. I think you should go to K-Mart or Wal-Mart, and buy an inexpensive "Lawn chair & Table" with a Large "umbrella". Make sure the umbrella is large enough--OR, you can buy a Large Tall Umbrella that sheilds people from Rain & Sun--you just stick the spike in the lawn. (I saw this school crossing gurad using one last week--and it looked pretty cool)...Maybe you can find a decent one for $40 dollars..It might be expensive , especially if you didnt budget for it---- but we have to be Good Hosts..Set it in the back yard--and tell them thats "their spot".

You dont want them going to their cars in the rain, and you dont want arguments to occur everytime they want a smoke. We all have different lifestyle choices when it comes to drinking, smoking, and food choices--but we have to respect people's right to choose..Treat others the way you want to be treated--especially when it comes to guests.

Peace

Answer 5

In my familys case...no one is allowed to smoke inside the house or any structure attached..

And they cannot spoke on the porch, must be far enough away that the remainng buts are tossed elsewhere.


If they can not stop smoking for the duration of the visit...they are not welcome, period.... not even loved ones.

Now if I go to their home, its their rules, and I put up with the smoke when I have to...but I still retain the right to breath clean air, even in their home.

What that means, is that even in their home, proper ventilation must be available.... otherwise we dont bother visiting.
Fortuantely only one relative has such a bad home.

In fact even smoking relatives dont visit that one.

Answer 6

Appears to me he'd have the choice of smoking in the rain, smoking in his truck or waiting for the rain to stop.:)

Answer 7

It is your house and he has to respect that. I think it would be a good idea just to let him know how you feel before they come over. That way it doesn't sound like you are throwing him out in the rain.

Answer 8

ok, i think you're trying too hard. if you have a porch, they can smoke there, just put an ashtray.
and about your children... don't over exaggerate. people do smoke. i know that in the USA there's this big anti-smoking movement, but they should be allowed to make their own choice at 16 or 18 or smth, as long as you explain to them all the disadvantages of smoking.

Answer 9

He shou ld be able to holdout for a while. If he has to smoke, send him to a room with a winow ad tell him to sit by the window. If you have a fan you could sit that in the window to suck the smoke out of the room

Answer 10

It is OK to say, "You have to smoke outside when its raining, windy, tornado warning, hurricane, nuclear attack." I smoked once two packs a day in my younger years and I smoked "outside." It is just accepted among the smoking culture.