Good manners might sometimes seem old-fashioned today, but they still matter and evolve as time passes. Good manners cost nothing, and by practising basic good manners, people show those around them that they are respected and considerate of their feelings. It makes them feel better, and us too. It is a natural form of mindfulness.
Debrett’s bible of etiquette and good manners has been telling us how to behave politely for nearly four centuries and is still keeping up with the times. Some of our 21st-century behaviours like “eating at one’s desk”, “mansplaining”, and “naughty step” have been given Debrett’s treatment.
But what has this got to do with vaping and using vape accessories? Debrett’s first turned its attention to vaping five years ago and has just recently updated its advice. You may be tempted to dismiss anything produced by such an institutional titan as irrelevant, but a recent poll of 2,000 adult nicotine users found that 67% say vaping etiquette is important. And the very fact that vaping is in Debrett’s at all confirms that vaping has shifted from hipster niche to high society.
We want vapers and non-vapers alike to get along. Being a good vaper is not rocket science, but as the number of vapers continues to rise in the UK, it’s more important than ever to mind your Ps and Qs so as not to give our community a bad name.
Vaping isn’t legally banned in enclosed public spaces in the same way that smoking is, but that doesn’t mean you’re free to vape anywhere you like. Debrett suggests thinking of vaping as being like talking on your mobile – if it’s not OK for you to use your phone in any given situation, it’s also not OK for you to vape. The adequate rule of thumb is to believe it’s not acceptable without checking first, and if you don’t want your behaviour to land you on the equivalent of the vaping naughty step, read on.
7 Vaping Behaviours to Avoid
Debrett says: “Civilised vaping is dependent on good manners, from vapers and non-vapers alike.” Here’s a summary of what they (and us) consider to be bad vaping manners:
Vaping faux pas #1: Stealth vaping, or trying to vape without anyone noticing. If you feel the need to stealth vape, then you probably shouldn’t be vaping at all.
Vaping faux pas #2: Finishing off your meal with an after-dinner vape. More than a third of those polled stated that restaurants should be vape-free zones, so check with other diners and staff.
Vaping faux pas #3: Vaping at a house party or when someone is cooking. Offer to vape outside, even if the host says they’re OK with you vaping inside.
Vaping faux pas #4: Vaping in a public place where there may be rules prohibiting vaping. For example:
- Hospitals and other health settings
- Enclosed spaces, like lifts or toilets
- In a car, taxi or public transport
- At an airport or on a plane
In a poll, 38% agreed you shouldn’t vape in hospitals, 36% said no to doing it in a lift, and 24% said it’s wrong to vape in a public toilet.
Vaping faux pas #5: Lighting up in a job interview. Only do this if you don’t want the job!
Vaping faux pas #6: Blowing a vape cloud in someone’s face, either deliberately or not. You might think it smells amazing, but engulfing other people or their surroundings in your vapour is a definite no-no.
Vaping faux pas #7: Vaping on a Zoom or other video call is also socially unacceptable, especially in a business setting. To other callers, it could look like you’re sitting in a steam room, which could be distracting and annoying, not to mention unprofessional.
If in doubt, ask
It’s in the best interests of all vapers that we behave in a considerate manner. Etiquette is continually evolving, but it doesn’t take much effort to be courteous. Just ask permission, respect other people’s personal space, and abide by the rules of the establishment, and this will keep everyone happy.
