Ask Amy: Friendship falters on anti-vaxx posts
We have a balcony, and I am fine with her smoking on the balcony if she wants to, but – please – not in our townhouse.
My husband doesn’t want to say anything to her, but I do.
Do you have any ideas?
– Puffed-Out
Dear Puffed-Out: Smoking anywhere indoors has become so rare that at this point it is almost taboo.
Many rental units and condo associations ban smoking – even inside units – because of the risks associated with second-hand smoke. You should check to see if there are any rules within your townhouse development, and if even smoking on a balcony is permitted (balconies are sometimes considered “common areas”).
If smoking is banned inside units where you live, you should notify your mother-in-law.
Otherwise, even if your husband won’t say anything to his mother, you should.
Keep your tone neutral, and simply say: “I hope you won’t mind standing outside to smoke.”
If she says, “Why yes, I do mind,” you’ll have to say – “Well, smoke really bothers me, so I’d appreciate it if you could do that for me.”
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