SHRINK RAP

SMOKERS were once ubiquitous in offices, cinemas, theatres, restaurants and other public spaces.

The government, to their great credit, did society a favour by changing the rules.

Non-smokers have developed indignation towards smokers, thinking of them as being dysfunctional and delinquent and therefore not deserving of sympathy or rights.

You have a legitimate problem. Your smoking neighbours, though, have to leave the building to smoke at work, avoid smoking in malls and public places. Home may be the only option left for them.

Your letter reflects a dilemma: implicit in your approach is that your rights are being infringed on.

You believe their right to smoke in their own home should be curtailed in favour of your right to get air by means of your open window.

If you construe your right to clean air and their right to smoke in their home to be equal, then you need to explore what you can do to obtain fresh air. - Leonard Carr

SUPERNANNY

THEY are permitted to smoke in the privacy of their home.

You could try to appeal to them to be considerate of your situation.

If they are not responsive, perhaps you may have to consider moving.

You will have to weigh up what your personal needs are against what agreements can be made and act accordingly. - Stephanie Dawson-Cosser