Will Rogers said "I never met a man I didn't like." While ole Will probably didn't meet enough people to make such a claim, I would edit his quote and steal for myself as follows:
"I never met a cigar smoker I didn't like." - Me
I have been fortunate enough to be part of many "communities" in my life. The restaurant community, the comic book and collectibles community, the musician community, all having a dear place in my heart. As I write this I consider the number of reality TV series based around cooking, music, and collectibles. TV needs drama, and in many cases, they're looking in the right place. I hate drama. It's unavoidable but I certainly don't go looking for it. Enter the cigar community.
I have smoked thousands of cigars with hundreds of folks in places all over this country and beyond. No drama. Ever. I pondered for hours and can only come up with a few reasons for this anomaly.
1. Cigars are relaxing. Smoking a good cigar is a serious stress reliever for me. I have to slow down to enjoy it. You just can't be in a hurry and smoke a cigar. A real cigar.
2. Cigar smokers are accepting. You can go to any cigar lounge and sit down in a circle of leather chairs with a Doctor, Lawyer, Senator, Plumber, Preacher, Musician, Liberal, Conservative, fill in the blank, and everyone sees everyone as their equal. The topics of the world are relegated to the trash heap and the collective happiness of those relaxing with a cigar affects the atmosphere. I can take a long draw, contemplate the flavor, and not have to worry, or SAY anything. Making eye contact gets me a nod, I nod back. Chill.
3. Cigar smokers relish life. Everyone has bad days. I have many, but I get back up and endure until things get better. They do get better. The cigar smokers I know are likeminded. They struggle, they have bad days, but they continue. But most importantly, they live. Those are the folks I surround myself with.
Cigars are by intention, drama and stress-free and my encounters have shown me that no matter what, any asshole is much more tolerable with a cigar in hand.
Happy Smoking.
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