Socialization

I heard from someone the words “social smoking.” It was the first time for me to hear that phrase. It is much like social drinking. These are both actions that people who are not normally in the habit of doing would then do the same things when out with a certain group of people.

Of course, it doesn’t matter to me what other people do with their own bodies at their own time. But the person who does the social smoking also shared to me that she has asthma.

This made me think. Are there things that we are willing to do because they are being done in the name of socializing? An asthmatic person becomes a smoker when out with friends. A usual teetotaler downs 5 bottles of beers during a dinner with clients. Are they right in doing what they do just to regain the acceptance and approval of others?

Principles are the foundation of a person’s heart. What we do in private must be the ones we are also espousing in public. Double standard makes me question the person’s credibility.

But then, it is not always easy to stand for what is right. Still, by being consistent, I believe we can earn the respect of others. And respect our own selves.