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I hate to admit I’m a part of this annoying group -- disliked by most smokers and non-smokers alike -- but it’s true. I only smoke when I drink. I don’t even jones for a smoke every time I drink, usually only when I have a few drinks and decide subconsciously to “open the floodgates.”

Since my group of social smokers rarely buy cigarettes of our own -- because we’re not “real” smokers or willing to admit that we are -- we usually bum them off of friends or strangers and then proceed to puff away like the world’s ending which in turn irritates the non-smokers.

Hence, we’re a detested group.

Personally, I don’t have much to say in defense of our behavior, other than at least I usually offer to buy the cig rather than assume it’s free for the taking. Plus, I’m not particularly picky about the brand or flavor. Once I’m in mode, I’ll choke down anything from a Kool to a hand-rolled number.

Also, I fully admit I’m a hypocrite. Despite my “social smoker” status, I am completely in favor of the smoking ban in bars and restaurants. For one thing, I usually don’t think about smoking if others around me aren’t inhaling, so the ban would actually curb my indulgent behavior. Also, if I’m not in party mode, I despise the smell of cigarettes. Lastly, the cigarette hangover is a drag, and getting worse as I get older.

So, why do I smoke at all if I’m not addicted to it? It’s pleasurable. It’s fun to blow smoke rings. And as a friend pointed out, it “layers” the buzz and gives you a little extra kick.

So, consider this blog to be a shout-out to the other social smokers out there and a “so sorry” to all of you who have to put up with us.