[iisan7]

Interesting point, re the pauses to take a drag on a cigarette. The only thing I can think of like that now in a workplace or chance social encounter is taking a drink of water or coffee, but I suppose it hasn't really replaced smoking. Maybe carrying a small water flask to give ourselves moments to pause meaningfully in a conversation!

[gumby]

Not just the drag, but a pause to take one out, tap-compact it, light it, take a couple of puffs...

As a non-smoker I was at a conversational disadvantage. As a nerd, this didn't bother me much.