Smirting .... it's on its way!

While I was in the Outer Hebrides over Christmas, I was told about an unexpected side effect of the recent smoking ban in public places.

With the ban, due to take effect in England in July this year, now in place in pubs across Scotland, smokers are forced outdoors if they want to enjoy a quick puff during the evening's festivities. Naturally, this gives them the opportunity to talk to people they might not otherwise have approached when out for a social drink with friends.

As a result of this, a new phenomenon has been born. Christened 'Smirting' (a cross between smoking and flirting), new relationships are being forged over a quick puff.

Maybe this is more proof that where there's smoke, there's fire!