Category: Let's talk
Hi all.
I don't remember seeing a topick about smoking on the boards before so i thought it would be an interesting one.
It would be good to get posts from people who smoke and don't smoke.
Personally i don't.
Questions for smokers.
How did you start smoking?
How do you feel about it? Do you feel proud, guilty, are you planning to stop?
Did you try to stop and how difficult do you find it?
Do you regret smoking?
Do you go out when you want to smoke or do you smoke in front of other people?
If people tell you to go outsite to smoke do you get angry with them?
Questions for people who don't smoke.
How do you feel about people close to you such as friends, family smoking? Do you try and stop them?
Do you want them to smoke in the house or do you tell them to go out?
These are the questions i can think so far.
You don't have to answer all of them but they will start the conversation.
Nikos
I do not smoke, and have never tried it. The smell alone is enough to keep me away. Also, I've had family members that have died and have been on oxygen from smoking. I'm personally strongly aginst smoking, and I'm glad that public places are banning it.
I'm a non smoker, never started never will. I haven't even tried it and don't want to. The smell is nasty and so are the side affects. Most people I know do it do to stress at work, and stress related things. Most of my friends that do do it are trying to quit but can't because it's difficult. My advice to anyone who is going to try it, don't you'll be sorry once you did. Now here's another question that comes to mind. Non smokers, do you let smokers smoke in your house? I don't. And if I ever caught someone doing it I'd kick them out.
Troy
I don't have ahouse yet but when i have one probaply i would le my friends smoke especially if it is winter time and it's cold outsite. I wouldn't feel confortable asking them to go out. But if for example i was maried and my wife was pregnent, or if i had little children i would ask people to go out because i wouldn't want anything bad to happen to them.
Okay, all you smokers, party's over at troys, bring plenty of cigs.
I smoke plenty. About a pack a day. Have done so since I was sixteen and it was the mark of manhood.
I have tried a million ways to quit, to no avail: hypnosis, gum, patches, and blood thinners. I still smoke. I once tried a method that injected medication into each of your ears and on each side of your nose. I have never been in such pain. I still smoke.
If I could have never started, I would gladly do so.
For anyone who doesn't smoke but think it's cool, get a brain. It isn't anything but trouble. Don't get me off on the tens of thousands of dollars I have burned up.
Other than that, it's a great habbit. It gives you a chance to deal with all kinds of elements: rain, hot sun, cold weather. You also get to deal with your friends making faces at you.
So, come on, try it: you'll hate it like I do.
Bob
I first have to say that Bob's post made me giggle.
That being said, I do smoke, but not often. I smoke on the rare occasions when the opportunity presents itself and someone else has the cigarettes. I think I was fourteen the first time I tried it. I was with a couple friends on a cheerleading trip. I completely understand that most people don't like the smell, although I don't understand why, because I think it's great, and have no problem going outside to smoke. I'm not addicted to the point where I'll brave snow or rain or anything like that just for a cigarette, but I do enjoy the occasional ones I get. I've never tried to quit, since I don't see it as anything particularly problematic, but I'd tell anyone considering starting not to, because I've lost an aunt to lung cancer from smoking. You'd think that'd be enough to keep me from doing it, but...what can I say?
I really hate the smell of smoke. I wish they would stop selling cigarets. That will force people to stop smoking but unfortunitly it is hard to quit.
I don't think they will ever stop selling sigaretes. They make good proffits out of them.
Maybe they could try and rase the prices even more. I don't know the situation in the USA but in England they are about 5 pounds a packet but people still buy them even if they are so expensive.
I also don't like the smell of sigarettes however i find the smell of sigars good but still i would never try them.
I also don't smoke and never have. When I was little and we had ashtrays in the house I had smelled it and just that smell was nasty. Also, the stupid smell ends up getting on the clothes and hair of people who don't smoke. (Both my parents used to smoke but my mom had managed to quit after seeing how ugly it made the ceiling look and considering how that might affect her children's health. My dad still smokes though but he does it outside.) So I'm also glad some places are banning smoking at their places because I don't like the smell in my hair and clothes and just knowing (at least from what I've read, wich doesn't sound impossible), that second-hand cigarette smoke is actually worse than first-hand.
Well, first off, I think this topic should've been posted in the health and wellness board, but...
Anyway, I'm not a smoker. I dont' like smoke in any way. I dont' like being around those who do it. I have family/friends, who all smoke, and I try so hard to get them to stop. I hate it, because of obvious health reasons. I wish there was something I could do to inspire them more to stop, but we can only do so much. As of now, I don't have my own home, but when I do get it, I will not allow people to smoke in my home. They can go outside if they feel the need to light up. I can understand that quitting smoking is very hard. It's a nasty addiction that needs to be broken, and it's understandable that it's not that easy to do. I just wish there was something more out there, to help the smokers who do want to quit.
I was thinking of posting this topick in the health board but i didn't just want to discuss the health issues of smoking but also other aspects like why people smoke, is it because everyone does it? If it effects their social life like friends so that's why i posted here.
i think it is wrong, if people close to me want to smoke, let them damage there health.
it's not my problem
I hate smoking, for three reasons:
1. it smells
2. It is expensive
3. It is not good for you.
I always hated it. My mum and dad and my sister are smoking.
You wish they'd stop selling cigarettes? Why not start with something achievable, like getting George Bush to speak proper English. Never gonna happen.
As for why I smoke, since I didn't answer that question in my previous post, I guess two simple reasons would be boredom and stress. It's true that there are much better and healthier ways to deal with both of those things, but...there you have it. When I first tried smoking, I did it because I love the smell of cigarette smoke, my friend had a cigarette, and she offered.
As a youngster most of my family smoked, and I hated the smell, however at college when I was about 18, I finally said what the hell, lets try it to see what all the fuss is about. I enjoyed that first cigarette unlike many people, and so continued to smoke.
I smoked for about 10 years, as many as 2 packs a day. but for health reasons I tried to quit. I quit 5 times the shortest for 6 weeks, and always startted again.
The sixth time I quit was different, I haven't smoked for almost 4 years. I still want to sometimes, and wish I could just occasionally because I enjoyed it so much, but for me it was very adictive. I don't tell others to quit, because there is no point. as an ex smoker I know that you can only quit if and when you choose, not because others tell you to.
Yes it's unhealthy, yes it can kill, but how many people say ban cars because the CO that we breath every day when we walk the streets is as harmful or more so than that what we breathe from others smoking. just raise the tax on them, and lets all be happy.
Yeh I don't care if it's 50 below outside, you will not smoke in my house!
Troy
Another question.
What do you think when places have smoking and not smoking areas? I think it's not a good idea because the smoke will still go to the not smoking area so people can still smell it. Unless if there are separate rooms. But in a restaurant or pub i don't think it makes any difference. Our clothes still smell when we go back home.
Well, let me just say, I've been a smoker since I was 11. Yes, I realize that's a young age, but...
I've tried to quit before, with some success. I had been clean for about 3 months before june. Now I'm back to smoking, I'm not mad at myself for it, I happen to enjoy it.
I tried it last year when I was totally pissed out of my scull, and a friend did it and offered. I did enjoy it. I am not adicted and have stopped, not because I stopped enjoying it, because I actually do, but because I had no wish to be a slave to anything. Also I don't have a lot of money and my parents would kill me. I'll have one from time to time but I will not buy a pack anymore because they will just go. I'd say people should try it just once, then they can decie but how can a pasttime that has never been tried, be condemned?
Because trying it once is how I've gotten to the point where I smoke between 1/3 and 1/2 of a pack a day.
Jared's got a point. So many people say they're going to try something just once, and right there is where the addiction begins. They say they'll only do it to see what it's like, for the sake of experience, and then never again, and surely trying it just once won't be enough to get them addicted. Shame it doesn't usually work like that. I agree with the above post that I haven't done it as often as I could, simply because I'd rather not be a slave to it the way so many others are, but again, I do enjoy the occasional cigarette and don't consider it problematic enough to quit.
agreed 100% jared.
Right. you may think I should try, to know what it is like. but I still refuse since the smell already makes me sick. I know I should be used to it, but ...
as for the smoking- and non-smoking Areas ... true, eour clothes wil lstill smell. But maybe not that intense. I think the idea of going to a restaurant where smoking is forbidden is fine if you are with a group of non-smokers. As soon as you have one smoker with you however it is more difficult. the smoker will not want to go outside to smoke on their own, so either you'll have to compromise or ... yeah, go to a pub where smoking is allowed.
Here in Scotland smoking is not allowed in a pub any more. The smoking ban started on the 16 of March this year. I am glad of it. My mum has stoped smoking now for 7 months. I don't like smoking at all. I would never try it. If I had my own house I would tell them to go outside. I cant see how a blind person could smoke anyway because they would burn themselves would they not, unless they had quite a lot of sight.
You smoke with your mouth and lungs, not your eyes.
Bob
Lol...smoking doesn't require sight. Silly people.
hahahahah. wow. bloody hell...
I think, what she is trying to point out is, that when you light a cigarette this might be dangerous. Or if blind people (like in my former school) throw smoked cigarettes around and burn others with it. I know that not every smoker does that, but still, it is quite difficult.
Wave the lit lighter around until something catches on fire.
ha ha ha ha! oh my god.
Bob
Thank you Ines. That is right. I was just thinking that people might get hurt or something.
Brilliant, Jared, absolutely brilliant. I'm going to try that the next time I smoke.
As for getting hurt...ummm...don't be stupid when you're smoking? I don't really see how it's more dangerous for a blind person to smoke than a sighted person, as long as the blind person knows what they're doing and doesn't take Jared seriously. :P
lmfaolmfaolmfaolmfao! damn that was brilliant! to keep from getting burned, and wasting precious lighter fluid...I use matches
Back in my joint-toking days I accidentally burned my walrus mustache off. Those days are over, though, and I'll tell ya, I'm still suffering from asthma.
No problem, Michelle. I knew immediately what you meant.
I perosnally don't smoke, but my bf does, and both my parents used to, so I am used ot it. I prefer if he does'nt smoke around me, and he respects that. I would like him to sop and he has mentioned it, so here's hoping he does.
i definitely don't smoke, so do my family.
currently lives with few housemates, there are two of them are smokers.
they won't smoke in the house, as one of the house rules have set, no smoking inside the house, of course, set by me.
i'm can't stand the smell, and will never stand it.
i won't try it, not at all.
i'm quite refuse to have a smoking BF if i have one, and will trying my best to keep him away from smoking.
i could go on about this issue for hours, however, i'll just say this. people have to have the will power to stop, and they can! i've never smoked, and never will. not only is it unhealthy, but it's just not cool, in my oppinion.
oi! all you non-smoking vidgilantees! Chill man! as long as smokers don't inflict their habit on others then its really nobody elses damn business but their own surely!
btw, you don't need sight to smoke, just good old common sense.
off for a nice soothing cigarette now, *grin* anyone want one?
My dad and brother quit both in amazing ways. Brother said I don't wan to keep shelling out cash for it, gone. He hasn't lit up in almost a year. Dad, thew his cigs in the fire, a friend asked why? I got asthsma, so I can't smoke, never touched one again. Now if you mean pot smoke, that I find very sexy adn love it but don't care to get stoned, cigs I'll pass thanks but those who want to smoke if they're in my house please go out side i wouldn't be as freakish as troy damn!
I am a non-smoker, but I rather like the smell, though I know most people detest it.
Boy, I thought this topic had gone into the archives.
Those of you that say smokers can't smoke in your house have the right to do so. It's your house. I, on the other hand, offer my guests ashtrays if they want any, and any non-smokers who can't "stand it" can go outside. It's my house.
Oh yes, Ashes2ashez I'll take one of those, please.
Bob
I also thought this topic was done. But, since it's not, I'll take one, Ash. Ironic name, isn't it? *Grin*.
And Bob, your posts never fail to make me laugh.
No-one is allowed to smoke in our house, even though my Gran, my uncle and his girlfriend all smoke. They're sent out to the smoking zone in the back garden so we don't have to breathe in their dangerous second-hand fag smoke. I've never been allowed to smoke in my life, but I know what it does to your insides, so forget it if you're thinking about starting.
I do not smoke and never will. I do not though have a problem with people who do.
Marijuana what an aroma Marijuana I'm in a coma Marijuana best I ever tasted Marijuana Man am I wasted.
Yeah, I smoke the m word, but no cigaretes for me. No point. I did try them, and, I don't get any high.
I don't smoke, but I know people who do. not planning on starting it any time soon
Marijuanas the best.
I used to be a very heavy smoker (four packs a day), but I quit. I started because I was a damn fool, it was supposed to be cool, and, like Odysseus wanting to hear the song of the sirens, I wanted to know what the urge to smoke would feel like. I was convinced that I could overcome the urge and quit easily enough if I ever got tired of smoking. Instead, the damn cigarettes dominated my life for eight years. When I finally stopped kidding myself and faced the fact that I had become addicted and that this was seriously restricting my life, I made up my mind to quit. It was absolutely the hardest thing I've ever done in my life. I have not had a cigarette in almost 38 years now and have no waking desire for it, but I often dream that I'm smoking again. As for dealing with other people's smoking, if I enter the home or vehicle of someone who smokes, I don't think I have any right to object to their smoking, but I don't let anyone smoke in my house under any circumstances.
For anyone who is trying to quit, here's my advice, for whatever it's worth. First, forget the patches and all that crap. That just makes it worse, because it lengthens the withdrawal period. You don't need to go to a doctor to control your voluntary behavior. Second, you should quit at a time when you can either be alone or among people who understand what you're going through and will put up with your atrocious behavior, because you're going to be a miserable person to be around during the worst of it. Of course, you may just decide that quitting isn't that important to you, and that's your right. The thing is, you have free will.
To the last poster, I commend you for working so hard to quit smoking. My dad's done it for most of his life, and I know once you're hooked on something like that, and the longer you do it, the more difficult it is to put it down or quit altogether. congratulations
I, too, want to congratulate reclusive thinker. It's awesoem that you had the strength to quit. I commend you for that.
Good job Reclusive Thinker. I don't smoke tobacco but its supposed to be almost as bad as heroin addiction.
Um, I used to say that I would never be with someone who smoked, but don't know where my resolve went. LOL. My fiance is a smoker, and he's not bad about it. He maybe had about four cigarettes yesterday. I hate it when anyone smokes around me, so depending on where we are, I try to be tolerant about it. If we're outside, I won't stand too close to the person. If we're in the car, I'll open a window (unless it happens to be someone else's car, in which case I'd say something). My dad was smoking in the house yesterday, and I got a teeny bit upset at him and told him to go outside. The smell of smoke is disgusting. The taste of it is atrocious, too. I can actually say I would never get addicted to the horrid stuff because I've tried it ... two different times. I guess I just don't have the addictive personality you have to have to get hooked on it. I don't know. If it's simply will power, then anyone can stop if they want to. Saying it's too hard is just an excuse and a poor one at that.
I agree with Troy, though. I don't care how bad the weather is outside--if you want to smoke, that's where you're going, because it's not happening in my house. And just for informational purposes, I don't kiss my fiance after he's done smoking, either. It's sickening. It's a good thing he doesn't smoke as much as he could; I wouldn't want to be in the same room with him then!
can't blame you there
Well me I use to smoke, but it was for a short time. but what the hell! weed is better!
Well I am a smoker. I wish I never started especially because I have sang in many bands and my voice gets tired. I will smoke in my house, but if I have company over that do not smoke, I move away or if its nice go outside. I don't agree with the idea of not permitting smoking in bars. But any place that serves food, I can go without but it is nice to light up after a nice big meal. Those that don't smoke stay that way!!
But remember we have feelings to and many times we that smoke are made to feel like outcasts. If your going to have smoke free places, then why can't there be places that say come on in and smoke all you want???
Thanks for all the replies. Regarding the last post it is not just about the feelings of smokers or people who don't smoke. But people believe that people can be affected from smoking if there are smokers arround. That's why people want to stop smoking in places. Even 5 minutes in a bar and our clothes can smell of smoke. So i believe that the smoke also goes insite our body.
Congradulations to the people who mannaged to stop it and best of luck to the smokers regarding stopping.