Simple Thoughts For A Complicated Man…(Networking Through Cancer)

There is one thing people never talk about, and that’s the benefits of smoking. There is no physical benefit to smoking, and we all know that it is cancerous.

There is one thing people never talk about, and that’s the benefits of smoking. There is no physical benefit to smoking, and we all know that it is cancerous. However, socially, it opens a door to a network that people outside of smoking will never tap into. There is a society out there that people rarely see. A group that is so obvious, it is overlooked by even those who are involved. This group has no name, no symbol, they are simply known as smokers.

I was never a smoker until about two years ago. I had four grandparents die from lung cancer, so I am aware of the dangers of smoking. As soon as I started, though, I felt like I was involved in something bigger than a nicotine high. Think about the common ground. Take work for example. Let’s say your boss is a smoker. You are one of the only other workers that smokes. That simple common ground gives you, if only for a few minutes, time to talk away from work with him or her on a near daily basis. You don’t feel that it gives the two of you a closer bond than your bosses relationship with the other workers that don’t smoke?

How about at the bar? Across the room is a beautiful girl or handsome guy, but all their friends are around. It’s too awkward to approach in front of everyone… but there is hope! They step outside for a cigarette and your not far behind. It’s just the two of you outside but it isn’t awkward. Why? Because you are outside for no other reason but to take a few minutes to enjoy a cigarette. Same as she is.

Think about it. Something as simple as a girl walking up to ask you for a light can spark that conversation forward. An opportunity that probably would not have presented itself if not for that one common weakness.

I started thinking about this when I stood outside of work smoking a cigarette. I think you would be amazed at how many strangers I converse with only because I smoke. I have had people ask for my resume to look at because there was an opening in my field at their office. Why? I took 3 minutes out of an 8 hour day to have a cigarette and I just happened to have a lighter when someone needed it.

Next time your around a smoking circle. Just observe this behavior. Take notice at the someone who comes outside and talks with a complete stranger about something as simple the weather, as they share a cigarette. As you stand there and observe, when someone approaches you with one simple question, “Do you have a light?” what’s your answer going to be?

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