Redditor Outraged Over Roommate's Guest Laying Down A No-Smoking Law In Their Own Home

“Why can’t I have a smoke in my own home?!”

Jesse

• Published in Interesting
• August 18, 2023

Living with roommates can sometimes be challenging. People have their own unique quirks and habits, which can often lead to disagreements.

In the confines of our narrator’s (Original Poster’s) shared living space, one regular day takes a wild turn when a simple habit of theirs triggers a surprise showdown.

Now, OP is a regular smoker who follows one golden rule: no smoking indoors. It's their day off from work, and they're hoping for a bit of peace to catch up on sleep—but life has other plans. 

OP’s roommate's friends come over to hang out, and wherever friends are gathered, you bet there's going to be some chit-chat. Sadly this ruins any chance of OP getting some sleep.

Frustrated, OP gets up earlier than expected, craving both a stick of cigarette and a sip of coffee. Just as OP is getting ready to head out for that refreshing smoke, one friend states that they’re not okay with smoking.

OP is surprised but stands their ground—after all, it's their house. Things start heating up when the roommate suggests that OP could go without a smoke for a few extra hours till the visitors leave. Easy for them to say, considering the group has been hangout out for six hours!

Fed up, OP retreats to their room to avoid creating a scene. However, once the friends leave, they confront their roommate about being subdued in their own house.

OP believes they have the right to be themselves regardless of who is over, while the roommate thinks that compromising for a few hours isn’t a big deal. 

Is OP being unreasonable or just standing up for their right?

The story in detail

OP's roommate's visitor has made it clear that he isn't comfortable with OP smoking while he's around

This request seems to have triggered an argument between OP and his roommate, as he feels an outsider shouldn't have a say in their house

Here's how the Reddit community reacted to the story:

"I would have just smoked and told the friend to mind his own business."

"I'm confused how you smoking outside was going to be a problem for them."

"Tell them they are not allowed to make noise while you're sleeping."

"NTA. In fact, I think you showed considerable restraint."

"Ask him WHY it's an issue for someone to smoke outside of a home he is inside."

"The solution is for them to spend time at someone else's home, not be jerks in yours."

"NTA...Don’t play into the myth that you have to please everyone."

"Does that person tell strangers not to smoke when they're out in public?"

"NTA. You are an adult and are free to smoke outside."

This is a sticky situation that many of us can relate to—the challenge of finding a balance with those we share our living space with.

In the court of Reddit opinion, the consensus is clear: OP is not in the wrong. This is because the commenters have decided to apply the principle of fairness in this case.

Why would their roommate require them to compromise on their smoking time when he refused to compromise when OP wanted to get some sleep?

In addition, OP was willing to take their cigarette outside, which shouldn't have bothered anyone.

We'd love to get your thoughts on this story. Join the conversation in the comments below.

Jesse