[need advice] social smoking?

[Mullet]

I went to a Labor Day picnic with my wife's family on Sunday afternoon. One of her uncles (he's a semi-successful person, but still a redneck at heart) tries to push his $1.50 cigar on me.

I thought ahead and brought a bunch of cigars for all the men, in case anyone wanted to smoke with me.

Well, he's already given one of his $1.50 cigars to another one of my wife's uncles.

He says to me, "here, try this -- it's the best $1.50 smoke you'll ever have." And of course, I told him no thank you, I brought a few cigars in case there weren't enough to go around.

He says, "c'mon stop being a snob, try this cigar it's great I promise."

I finally told him, "I don't want a $1.50 cigar -- I brought a bunch of cigars, i'll just pick something from my lot."

He wasn't mad at all because he's an obnoxious prick, salesman type (no offense). But I wondered how I could have handled it differently.

Anybody with any suggestions based on experience?

FYI, his "awesome" cigar was a Don Mateo

[Darrell]

Taken it and said thanks.

[Mullet]

Originally Posted by Darrell

Taken it and said thanks.

wow, really? So you think I should have smoked a dog rocket to save face?

I guess maybe I am a snob. I was hoping that wouldn't be the overall consensus.

[[OT] Loki]

Originally Posted by Mullet

wow, really? So you think I should have smoked a dog rocket to save face?

I guess maybe I am a snob. I was hoping that wouldn't be the overall consensus.

"ive had one, wasnt a fan"

[SmokeyJoe]

I would have said "thanks... and here, try one of mine."

Just how I was raised.

[chippewastud79]

Had there been no band and he told you it cost $10 would you have smoked it?
I think you take it as a gesture. Smoke it right then and there or save it. If it sucks, you can always pitch it, didn't cost you a thing. I would have smoked it with him, you never know, they may have been a great 'budget' stick

Kind of similar to a bomb. You wouldn't 'return to sender' just because someone sent you a stick you didn't like.

[JustAyoungMC]

I suppose you could acquiesce.




And then smoke one of yours sans label.

[Mullet]

i'm learning from more experience folks.

[Darrell]

Originally Posted by Mullet

wow, really? So you think I should have smoked a dog rocket to save face?

I guess maybe I am a snob. I was hoping that wouldn't be the overall consensus.

It's not about "saving face" it's about recognizing that common courtesy goes a LONG way in this world.

[SmokinApe]

You should have accepted the gift...

[bigkev77]

Yeah, I have to say you should have taken it or at least told him you had already tried that brand and wasn't a fan. Also, guess you could have taken it and excused yourself. Then chunk it and lite up one of yours.

[bigkev77]

he's an obnoxious prick, salesman type

I missed that part. I know the type. I probably would have handled it the way you did.

[bobarian]

I agree with the others who have said accept the gift. While it may not have been a premium, you might have found it to be a decent smoke. Often, I have received sticks as trades or bombs that I may have thought would not be to my liking but enjoyed anyways because I remember the gesture. If someone thinks enough of you to give you a smoke(or anything else for that matter) accept it graciously. If you have something to give back or PIF then by all means do so. But never turn away a gift.

[DonWeb]

Yep. Accept the gift, and put it with your others.. Then explain that you brought some especially for the occasion - and smoke what you brought.

You could also offer one to him.

[NCRadioMan]

Originally Posted by Mullet

i'm learning from more experience folks.

That's what it's all about. You don't want to be an "elitist", do you?

I would have said, "Thanks, I'll try it later but I have had my mind set on smoking some of the cigars I brought with me. Want one?" Or, "Thanks, I'll smoke it later after it acclimates to my humidors environment."