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I smoke. I hate it when people ask to bum a smoke. I used to ride the city bus regularly. These three do not a good combination make.

The mere appearance of a pack of smokes in a shirt pocket, or the outline of one through a pant pocket is enough to bring out every free-ridin', cheapskate in the metro area. It got so I would often hide my pack before approaching the bus stop and suffer cravings rather than light up. This might have been good for my overall health, but it didn't do wonders for my immediate stress level. Why do people assume it is fine to ask for free tobacco from someone they've never met?

The worse example of cigarette-mooching I experienced, and there were some doozies, concerned a young guy who asked me if I had one to spare as soon as I walked up to the stop. I didn't feel like sharing, so told him no, I didn't have any. Of course, after that I couldn't light up myself, so was experiencing some serious withdrawals during my wait for the overdue bus.

About five minutes before the bus showed up, this guy pulled out his own pack and lit up in front of me. This jerk had the audacity to ask me for a cigarette while having a full pack in his own pocket!

To be honest, I'll occasionally bum from a friend or co-worker if I'm out, but the favor is always returned. I never have, and never will, ask a complete stranger to feed my addiction.

So the answer is yes, I buy cigarettes, and no, you can't have one.

Learn more about this author, Doug Stephens.
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