What Do You Tell Them?

[gvarsity]

Most cases I know of good samaritans showing concern for my health due to my cigar smoking are really just trying express they don't like cigars behind false concern. It is insincere and/or ignorant. There is often an assumption that since cigarettes are toxic any tobacco product is equally toxic which documented to be untrue. Regardless it is almost never sincere concern rather than (poorly) hidden disapproval.

Like many other people have already stated these same people don't seem to feel the need to show concern over my consumption of alcohol (a known toxin), fatty food, high fructose corn syrup or other high calorie zero nutrition food or beverage, almost any calorie free sweetner, the fact I drive or ride in a car etc... etc... The cigarette smoker chiding the cigar smoker for health issues is the most ridiculous. All of these activities are significantly more likely to shorten my life than smoking cigars.

Generally I ignore these people. In the rare case it is sincere but ignorant I explain the actual risks (as best we can tell) to the point their eyes glaze over and they leave me alone. If they are rude about it I respond accordingly. For the most part I just don't give a damn about their concerns.