Smoking
I don't get the attraction of smoking.

Don't get me wrong, I'm not against smokers, or smoking - if you want to smoke, go ahead. I just don't get it.

I'll use myself as an example. I'm 31. I grew up in a house where my parents smoked. It stank. Not once have I ever thought "Mmmm, that nicotine smell is great and refreshing."

I went through a primary and secondary school education where I was told frequently about the health risks involved with smoking. About how one cigarette can knock five minutes off your life. How cigarettes cause cancer, lung disease and God knows what other health complications for someone who smokes. I was taught about passive smoking, and the selfish effects a smoker can have on non-smokers around him. I heard gruesome tales of people who had holes in their necks where smoking caused some kind of throat cancer.

I saw friends trying a cigarette for the first time, watching the colour drain from their faces as they drew that first intake of smoke, listened as they then choked and coughed and spluttered before trying again, and again, and again, despite experiencing the same effects. I found myself standing a little further away from them, aware that they smelt smokey, which was disgusting. I then watched as they became hooked on smoking, spending God knows how much to keep their habit going. And I guess I'll still be watching in years to come as they continue to spend thousands of pounds, continue to smell, and continue to cough their lungs up each and every morning.

I know that people make their own choices in life, and that their smoking is in some ways no different to my liking of a drink, given the cost and long term health issues.

I still don't get the attraction though.
( SeasonTicketless is too often the statue, and rarely the pigeon., Fri 16 Oct 2009, 17:32, 9 replies)

because it's makes you look fucking cool
that's why.





i'm going for a smoke.
(TheManWithThePlan cussed your mum on, Fri 16 Oct 2009, 17:34, closed)

It's good for you, too.
That's what I keep telling myself.

*splutters as he reaches for another*
(Sir General ***WoW***, Fri 16 Oct 2009, 17:42, closed)

Fair enough
As a smoker, I do it because it feels great, but I wish I could pack it in
( emvee cruor deo cruoris, Fri 16 Oct 2009, 17:36, closed)

Apso... bloody... lutely
brought up in a house where mum and dad, plus older brothers smoked

at age 6 my brother (14) used to make me go and light his cigs from the gas stove. I never - NEVER - saw the attraction.

I agree with your comments 101%
(essexfriend, Fri 16 Oct 2009, 18:41, closed)

It can be fun.
I won't advocate smoking because it is costly in monetary and health terms -- but a cig after a few pints can be great.
Personally, I gave up when I realised it wasn't fun any more and I could spend the money on beer instead -- will still kill me but it's more fun.
(Me, I'm not... in any way intoxicated, Fri 16 Oct 2009, 18:47, closed)

I completely
agree. I enjoy the odd spliff on occasion but I can't see the point in smoking at all - it doesn't give me any kind of buzz so why bother?
(berk, Fri 16 Oct 2009, 20:48, closed)

My family smoked too
and yet I can't remember not despising the habit. It stank, and cost a fortune, and most of all, smokers were always desperate for a fag. Wasn't tempting to me, somehow.
(Juan Quar is clinging to her front teeth on, Fri 16 Oct 2009, 20:59, closed)

Oke Dokey no more smokey
I gave up at 7.00 am last Tuesday (6 days ish).

All good so far and i have smoked for well over 20 years. Got chewing gum that tastes erm, not too good but seems to do the trick.

I just think of the tax I am taking away from the government and this alone seems to make me happier than any ciggie can do.
(amsterdam_neild, Mon 19 Oct 2009, 12:31, closed)

Good luck!
Hope you manage to kick the habit!
( SeasonTicketless is too often the statue, and rarely the pigeon., Mon 19 Oct 2009, 18:20, closed)