In the distant past, I used to be able to sit down at a bar where people would smoke, and not mind at all. Then came the smoking ban, which made me find it unpleasant, but not a big deal. Then came the lockdowns, and I got used to breathing super fresh air all the time. Now I start coughing if someone outdoors smokes 5m away from me and the wind blows it in my direction. Does this happen to anyone else or is it just me?
In my case at least, it’s not a matter of seeing a smoker in a public place, the smell starts irritating my nose and throat and then I have to play a game of “find the smoker”. I agree that car exhausts are also harmful, I agree that we should also reduce driving as much as possible, but at least I can tolerate the smell of car exhaust much more easily if I have to be next to it. Everyone else seems to be able to enjoy their (outdoor) meal or concert, and I’d love to be able to get back to the point where I can think “yeah this is harmful, I should probably not subject myself to it” instead of “I can’t breathe”.