Smoking cigars may be a great source of enjoyment in your life, but the well-mannered smoker knows that not everyone enjoys the taste (or smell!) of a good cigar.  With the zeal of anti-smoking campaigners still in full swing, the importance of enjoying a good stick (cigar for non-aficionados) while not offending others cannot be stressed enough.  Just remember that while you are smoking a cigar, it can be difficult to gauge the smell that others are experiencing.  And don't forget that cigar smoke can leave a mighty strong lingering smell and residue on clothing, furniture, and even the walls!  So in order to really enjoy your stogie without a heavy conscience, learn to become aware of your surroundings and be a considerate and polite cigar smoker.

If you live with non-smokers, find a well-ventilated area of your residence where you can comfortably light up.  Though you may be tempting to lock yourself away in an office or bedroom, it's probably not the best idea to smoke in an enclosed area unless it has a window or ventilation fan.  Be sure you have easy access to the window.  Never smoke in a closed area!  You are more likely to breath in the smoke from your own cigar, which does contain some of the same carcinogens as other forms of tobacco.  If at all possible, go outside to smoke.  Pull up a lawn chair; relax on the porch, or any other open area where you can smoke comfortably.  There nothing quite like a relaxing cigar after a hard day at work.  Yet get as far away as possible to non-smokers, especially children and the elderly.  Some of my favorite cigars have drawn comments such as “man you smoke the stinkinest cigars”.   Yet to me they were absolutely delicious! 

If you smoke a cigar outside your home, remember that the courteous and respectful cigar smoker will only light up where legally permitted.  Most bars, even though they allow cigarettes, will not allow cigars to be smoked inside.  A courteous cigar smoker will also make sure to smoke in the company of other smokers.  If you are with someone who does not smoke, try to ask his or her permission, or ask if they mind if you smoke.  If they agree, be thoughtful about it.  Make sure your smoke isn't wafting in their direction.  Sit near an open window or space, I personally never ask friends or family if I can smoke in their house, I don’t smoke in mine so I would never ask.  Also, make sure no one around you is eating.  The secondhand smoke, and especially that of a cigar, from a discourteous smoker is a surefire way to ruin a meal. 

A polite cigar smoker will also be attentive of their ashes, they can get quite large.  If you must smoke outside your home, make certain to dispose of your ashes in a safe and appropriate container.  Don't forget that ashes can easily blow away, especially in lower quality cigars.  Don't litter with ashes, and be careful they don't blow near anyone around you.  Disposal of what is left of your cigar should also be considered.  If you don’t finish your stogie there can be sometimes half a cigar, and if it is a Churchill sized stick, you may have a large portion left.  You should dispose of it properly, not throwing in your friend’s yard, etc…

That said, people, many of them anyway, are already offended by cigars and your discourteousness will continue to give cigar smoking a black eye.  The key word to remember is Courteousness.  You may like them, but you’re not everyone! 

One of the things you learn about smoking cigars, is that a good cigar, ($3-$20 dollars a piece) can be ruined by lighting them with either a match or a "regular" lighter (one that takes lighter fluid). It is best to use a good lighter, of the "torch" type such as this brand, Ronson. The best thing about this lighter is that it a meager $1.98 from Wal Mart!

The reason the cigar can be "ruined" is that the taste, of the "lighter", can be imparted to the cigar. The taste of lighter fluid can be tasted if used to light your cigar. If your paying $10 bucks for a cigar you don't want the taste ruined.

A torch lighter leaves no taste, makes a very hot flame needed to get the cigar lit, and won't leave or impart an "extra" taste.