Thread: Smoking, what do you think about it?

1-Do you smoke?
2-Why, why not?
3-Does your whole family do it or not do it?
4-Do your friends do it?
5-What's 'your brand'?
6-When did you start (if ever)?
7-Any interesting stories about smoking?

1-No.
2-I've seen and am seeing what it does to people and how it ages them. People who start smoking at a young age are the morons who do it under peer pressure.
3-Only my father.
4-No.
5-None.
6-Never.
7-It's not something I look for stories on so no.

People who start smoking at a young age are the morons who do it under peer pressure.

Wow, ouch. Is that directed at me? You have no idea why I started, and you're in fact being moronic for making generalizations.

Furthermore, the kids who start at a young age due to peer pressure are often outcasts and lack self-esteem or have some other reason involving somepsychological deficit so don't be so quick to call them morons.

It's people like you that make me hate humans that much more. To be so ignorant and to take the offensive so fast just shows that you yourself find some need to within yourself (possibly lack of self-esteem or from smugness) to raise yourself up above others and be so judgemental.

You literally have absolutely ZERO idea of what you're talking about. I'll leave it at that.

Let's keep this thread civil and as free from passive aggressive attacks as possible thanks.

edit:

It's not something I look for stories on so no.

More passive aggressiveness...
"What's that? Smoking? Pfft, only retards smoke. I don't even waste my time with it."
In context with your post it seems like that's what you're saying with that line.

This is the internet, and you're free to judge as much as you want... but for the sake of civility let's keep conduct like this at a minimum... it makes it much more pleasent for everyone.

err smoking threads on DV usually result in someone being offended I notice.

1-Do you smoke? No
2-Why, why not? I have asthma and I think I'm allergic to smoke. One time I spent a few hours in my boyfriend's house, and his Dad and Uncle and little brother smoke...I had a rather bad physical reaction to it.
3-Does your whole family do it or not do it? Like 90% of my Mom's side of the family, including Mom, are as sensitive to smoke as I am. On Dad's side, Grandma used to smoke, now has a hole in her neck, and I have an aunt who smokes.
4-Do your friends do it? Nope. Not even my boyfriend. He absolutely refuses to smoke.
5-What's 'your brand'? n/a
6-When did you start (if ever)? n/a
7-Any interesting stories about smoking? uh...I guess the one in my second answer counts

What do I think about it? Well, I don't really understand why anyone would want to do it (before they get addicted anyway), but I'm not going to be down on you because you smoke...just please don't smoke around me

err smoking threads on DV usually result in someone being offended I notice.

I didn't figure there were enough threads about smoking for one to use "usually" when referring to one. This is the first I've seen... and it's mine But I'll take your word for it.

I have asthma and I think I'm allergic to smoke. One time I spent a few hours in my boyfriend's house, and his Dad and Uncle and little brother smoke...I had a rather bad physical reaction to it.

Yeah, one of my buddies is allergic to cigarrette smoke too.

Well, I don't really understand why anyone would want to do it (before they get addicted anyway)

As far as when I started, it's a long story... a mix of things. But I kind of explained why I still do...

but I'm not going to be down on you because you smoke...just please don't smoke around me

Thanks! And I should make it clear as well. I'm not a 'in your face smoker' and if I ever have even a thread of doubt regarding someones attitude towards smoking I'll ask whether they mind if I smoke, and if they do mind I respect them and leave the area or wait to smoke. None of my friends in highschool knew that I smoke (except for one, the guy that started with me) until the last few weeks of grade 12, and they were suprised because they never had any idea... and they were all decent and respectful about it.... probably largely to me not being a 'scene smoker'. I smoke for myself, not for an image or for others. When I went to highschool I had a butt on the way to school in the morning, and on the way home... and I was a heavy chewing gum user so nobody was the wiser.

But yeah... one of my pet peeves are people who are really upfront and almost invasive about smoking, like people who do it for the image. 95% of the time (when I was younger at least) I smoked on my own.

1-Do you smoke?
Yeah.

2-Why, why not?
Besides being addicted and not having the will power to quit at the moment, I guess some of it would go to what I just said, being around it for forever, the "feel good", but I was never "pressured" into doing it.

3-Does your whole family do it or not do it?
Uh, I guess about half?

4-Do your friends do it?
Most of them, yes

5-What's 'your brand'?
Marlboro full flavor 100s
I like to have a menthol on occasion.
But since those are expensive I've been smoking L&M

6-When did you start (if ever)?
About a month before I turned 12.

7-Any interesting stories about smoking?
I don't understand this question, really. But, I once saw my dad put his cigarette backwards in his mouth, and light it. That was amusing. I know how to fix broken cigarettes, if they're worth fixing anyway. I always accidentally burn my own self. I can french inhale and blow smoke rings? Yeahhh this stuff isn't interesting.

Oh, actually I have a more interesting "story". A friend of mine, buys cigarettes and "smokes them" but he doesn't inhale. I think he does it to fit in, which bothers me. He's wasted a lot of money.

I once got caught in school. And I also was accused of smoking while I was skipping a class, even when I hadn't had one that day.

Originally Posted by mattbrox

I've seen and am seeing what it does to people and how it ages them. People who start smoking at a young age are the morons who do it under peer pressure.

Starting to smoke is always moronic.

I don't smoke now unless I drink alcohol with people who are smoking. I used to smoke, and I always regretted starting. There is no good reason to start smoking tobacco. There is no good reason to willfully decide to become addicted to something. My Dad smokes and he got some bad disease from it where he might have to have his hands amputated. Most of my friends have been smokers but have quit or have relapses and continue to try to quit. My brand was American Spirits. I started when I was 18. No interesting stories about smoking. Except when I was doing a lot of peyote ceremonies with the Native American Church in Tepees we each had to smoke a huge cigarette rolled in a corn husk while we prayed. But other than that, what kind of interesting stories are there? The ceremonies themselves make much better stories than the tobacco.

1-Do you smoke? No
2-Why, why not? It's expensive, unhealthy and would screw up my job.
3-Does your whole family do it or not do it? Very few if any of my family still smoke.
4-Do your friends do it? No (cigarettes )
5-What's 'your brand'? N/A
6-When did you start (if ever)? N/A
7-Any interesting stories about smoking? I knew some people that smoked and are now dead because of it.

Meh, it's deadly but it brings in a good amount of taxes... Those who smoke them have every opportunity to be fully aware of the damages.

1-Do you smoke? No.
2-Why, why not? I'm allergic, it smells terrible, it slowly kills you, and it's about the dumbest thing I've ever seen.
3-Does your whole family do it or not do it? No. The last person to smoke was my grandmother on my father's side.
4-Do your friends do it? Nope.
5-What's 'your brand'? N/A
6-When did you start (if ever)? Never, and never will.
7-Any interesting stories about smoking? Nope.

A moron is defined as someone who is "mildy retarded" or who has "subnormal intelligence, and it does apply to some smokers (like anyone else) but I was a straight A student in highschool with courses like Biology 12, Psychology 12, Math 12, and of course... English 12. What's more I'm rather 'street smart' too...

I see where you're coming from, and you have every right to your opinion (obviously) but to be so judgemental and condescending without knowing the person or knowing their reasons makes me think that you're a moron. And what difference does it make to you if people smoke? Why such a bias against them?

Anyways, don't want to start any arguments... but I'm just expressing my opinions.

And @ Mario92

If people smoking is the dumbest thing you've seen then you have a severely limited scope when it comes to what you've seen.

If you're an adult and you know the damage that is being done yet still choose to smoke then all the power to you. I jsut think it's silly to be so quick to call people stupid over something as trivial as this.

Then why don't you give us a good reason to smoke? Or why do you smoke? What are your good reasons why you started smoking? Hmm? I am not being judgmental, I used to smoke, and sometimes still do (look at my avatar!), but I never heard a good intelligent reason for it. I'm all ears.

Originally Posted by mindwanderer

If people smoking is the dumbest thing you've seen then you have a severely limited scope when it comes to what you've seen.

If you're an adult and you know the damage that is being done yet still choose to smoke then all the power to you. I jsut think it's silly to be so quick to call people stupid over something as trivial as this.

First off, would you support a person who commits suicide? They know the consequences and the damage done. What about a person that fucks up his life by killing someone? He knew the risks and consequences. Are these all okay things just because the people involved knew what they were getting themselves into? Second, I was referring to the idea, the physical act, of smoking when I said it was incredibly stupid. I wasn't attacking people who smoke. Some people have valid reasons. But that doesn't make the activity any less idiotic. Unless you'd care to explain to me exactly how exposing your body to hundreds of chemicals and carcinogens that are proven to cause major health problems is a wise move.

1-Do you smoke? No
2-Why, why not? I have seen some of the physical and behavioural effects it has on people.
3-Does your whole family do it or not do it? Mum and grandma used to. Not any more.
4-Do your friends do it? No
5-What's 'your brand'? Pass
6-When did you start (if ever)? Pass
7-Any interesting stories about smoking? Not as far as I remember.

1-Do you smoke?

Sometimes and in social context with alcohol.
(Similar to Dannon Oneironaut)

2-Why, why not?

Quitting completely never quite seemed to work. So I'm allowing myself a cigarette, whenever I'd want one, which is not very often, but it takes away this "never-ever" pressure.

Another good reason might be that they have incredible social and psychological implications on the work place or in any social environments. In Germany, I could smoke in school and I have observed the differences in interactions numerous times between smokers in school, work, uni, etc. compared to non-smokers. It's undeniably something that bonds people together, breaks the ice and relieves stress. A lot of people often participated in the "smoking-break" without smoking themselves.

On a side note, while cigarettes are rather obviously not a very smart thing to smoke, I find these self-rightous, militant, anti-smoking maniacs far more ridicolous. Let people be. There are plenty kinds of activism that make sense, but that does not justify getting all up in the business of others. And don't forget that nicotine is as addictive as heroin.

3-Does your whole family do it or not do it?

Non-smokers, mainly. My father smokes cigars.

4-Do your friends do it?

Some do, some don't, I guess. I have quite a few very different groups of friends.

5-What's 'your brand'?

Hmm.. regular cigarettes I'd have to say gauloises.
But I usually just buy tobaco - drum or pueblo.

6-When did you start (if ever)?

Hm, I guess around 17. On and off.

7-Any interesting stories about smoking?

Cigarettes? Hmm... sneaking into the bushes at school and smoking my first cigarette was kind of funny. Firstly, there was always a teacher that went on a hunt for minors that were smoking, but moreso I had such a flash that I was feeling dizzy for the entire class following and was reeking strongly of smoke. But... I didn't get into any trouble - apparently teachers, who smoke themselves, don't sense it on others

Then why don't you give us a good reason to smoke?

Because it feels good, calms me, helps me focus. But other than that, I don't need a good reason to smoke... it's legal and I'm an adult so as such I'll do what I like.

but I never heard a good intelligent reason for it.

I never said there was an intelligent reason to smoke, but that doesn't make a person who smokes unintelligent. It isn't just as black and white as that.

First off, would you support a person who commits suicide? They know the consequences and the damage done. What about a person that fucks up his life by killing someone? He knew the risks and consequences. Are these all okay things just because the people involved knew what they were getting themselves into?

[sarcasm] that's tottally the same thing, smoking is right up there with suicide and murder.... for sure[/sarcasm]
Clearly you have some extremely distressing bias against smoking... or you'd have to to come up with an argument like that. I'm not even going to humour you by answering those. Get real.

Second, I was referring to the idea, the physical act, of smoking when I said it was incredibly stupid. I wasn't attacking people who smoke. Some people have valid reasons. But that doesn't make the activity any less idiotic. Unless you'd care to explain to me exactly how exposing your body to hundreds of chemicals and carcinogens that are proven to cause major health problems is a wise move.

On a side note, while cigarettes are rather obviously not a very smart thing to smoke, I find these self-rightous, militant, anti-smoking maniacs far more ridicolous. Let people be. There are plenty kinds of activism that make sense, but that does not justify getting all up in the business of others.

Couldn't have said it better myself! Well.... maybe I could've
The two types of people that anger me most are vegetarians/vegans that are super condescending about everything and act like they are sent from god himself and like you're a piece of stupid shit. And then the same thing as that but with anti-smokers... I'm more angry for them than at them... just how can someone be like that? Doesn't make sense.
Fair enough.

1-Do you smoke?

No.

2-Why, why not?

Never had a reason to. Also, when I try to smoke pot (hey, everyone needs some experience), I start coughing uncontrollably before I inhale enough to get high on. This makes me wonder how strong the peer pressure needs to be for people to continue trying after the first time they inhale smoke. Maybe it's not as bad for others. My dad had the same story - he tried once, coughed like a motherfucker, and was wondering how ANYONE would want to keep trying for more lung tolerance after that "first contact" experience. I can handle smoke from a hookah, and I actually enjoy the green apple flavour... but that's like the "appletini" equivalent of smoking hahahahaha.

I do intend to consume hash brownies at some point though.

3-Does your whole family do it or not do it?

No. My mom is an occasional smoker and always did it outside of the house. My little brother smokes pot.

4-Do your friends do it?

Some do, some don't. Most don't.

5-What's 'your brand'?

n/a

6-When did you start (if ever)?

n/a

7-Any interesting stories about smoking?

Only one comes to mind. I was out at the movies with a group of friends, many of whom were smokers. We were about in the 19-21 age range. One of them (same age) came to us and said "hey guys, guess what? I just took up smoking!" And ALL the smokers in the group told him he was a fucking moron for starting. That just opened my eyes. I don't have anything against smokers, and I think the rules are a bit too strict. For example, I think there should be some bars that allow smoking inside, etc. However, seeing that all the smokers in my group regretted getting onto that train (and weren't doing much about it) was kind of an eye opening experience.

1-Do you smoke? - yes, but only marijuana
2-Why, why not? - it's fun and there is no hangover
3-Does your whole family do it or not do it? - just me and my brother, my dad did in college, but not anymore
4-Do your friends do it? - some of them
5-What's 'your brand'? - weed only, cigarettes are disgusting and dangerous
6-When did you start (if ever)? - college
7-Any interesting stories about smoking? - had this really fucked up trip once while having sex where i was in a castle and there was a battle going on

1-Do you smoke?
No.

2-Why, why not?
It's a disgusting habit that makes you smell like an ashtray. It's very bad for your health, causes lung cancer, etc. Gives you premature wrinkles and makes you look 60 when you're 40. Cuts a shitload of years off your life.

3-Does your whole family do it or not do it?
None of my immediate family.

4-Do your friends do it?
a few

5-What's 'your brand'?
n/a

1- Do you smoke?

It's an intermittent habit of mine, but I plan on quitting for good very soon.

2-Why, why not?

I am thoroughly addicted to nicotine, and the ritual. However beneficial nicotine may be for general cognition, it's not worth the side-effects. Plus, it gives me unnecessary anxiety sometimes.

3-Does your whole family do it or not do it?

My father and his fiance smoke.

4-Do your friends do it?

Some of them.

5-What's 'your brand'?

I haven't bought cigarettes in about two weeks, but when I do it's always Marlboro Menthol Lights.

6-When did you start (if ever)?

Sometime during high school.

7-Any interesting stories about smoking?

Cigarettes? No, not about cigarettes.

1-Do you smoke?

Unfortunately, yes.

2-Why, why not?

Self-medicating symptoms of ADD, anxiety and occasional depression. I also enjoy it. I love the taste and the smell and the way smokes make me feel.

3-Does your whole family do it or not do it?

Many of my immediate family. My kids steal them from me.

4-Do your friends do it?

I don't have any friends.

5-What's 'your brand'?

Marlboro Menthol Full-Flavor 100's

6-When did you start (if ever)?

When I was about 13 years old. I was smoking 4 packs a day by the time I was 18. I quit for 8 years and stupidly started again about 2 years ago or so. I'm currently at about 2 packs a day.

7-Any interesting stories about smoking?

Nope.

1-Do you smoke? No.
2-Why, why not? I have other methods of relaxation that I feel, to me, are more "pure" and fresh in satisfaction.
3-Does your whole family do it or not do it? Some uncles, a few cousins, but that's it. Almost all the rest have at somepoint, but have quit.
4-Do your friends do it? A few of them-- most of them only occasionally.
5-What's 'your brand'? nada
6-When did you start (if ever)? nada
7-Any interesting stories about smoking? I did smoke minty shisha once, but it was tobacco free, and I'd probably only do that once. Nothing special.

1. no.
2. because cigarettes are expensive, very addictive, extremely unhealthy, and I see no point in smoking. Quite frankly, if I walk past someone on the street who's smoking, I hold my breath as I pass them, I know it's fairly inconsequential, but I just hate the thought of breathing all that shit in.
3. fortunately, I don't think any of my relatives on my dad's side do. My dad doesn't which is interesting, because almost all of his friends do (though a few quit recently ). My mother never did, as for her relatives I'm not completely sure.
4. I know enough people who do, however none of them are my friends.
7. Hmm...well, once when I had drank a little and toked...more than a little, I took 1 puff off a cigarette just out of curiosity. Unlike pot, which actually seems to prevent any asthmatic symptoms, I could immediately feel a slight tight feeling in my chest, like it felt when I was younger and my asthma would act up sometimes. Iroically it was not long after this that I began to take a much stronger anti-cigarette stance than before.

1-Do you smoke? No
2-Why, why not? Because its poison
3-Does your whole family do it or not do it? Most of them did, and most of them died prematurely
4-Do your friends do it? Some of them yes
5-What's 'your brand'? -
6-When did you start (if ever)? -
7-Any interesting stories about smoking? I met ppl at the hospital that can no longer breath on their own thanks to their addiction to smoking.

Tho Im not really "anti-smoker". I let ppl do what they wish without yelling at em that its wrong or whatever. I'm even party-smoker myself, on very are occations.

1-I was always on-and-off and never topped 1/2 a pack a day, but I quit for good around '06.
2-I resent addiction. Once I started to feel addicted, I focused on the negative qualities until revulsion overpowered the craving.
3-Several people quit after my grandfather had a stroke and soon after died of lung cancer that had shot a tentacle up into his brain, but only my mother stayed quit. My youngest sister never smoked, but everyone else: yes.
4-A handful of my concert-going acquaintances and most of my hometown friends, but virtually none of my college/writer friends still smoke, or only on occasion.
5-The last ones were American Spirit mediums--blue softpack, charcoal filter.
6-College, outside the dorms.
7-Coming back to the dorms with one crew, I ran into another crew outside smoking, including my roommate. He was wasted and wobbling quite a bit. I cracked a joke, either about him not being able to hold his liquor or about something effeminate he'd just done (he was very sensitive about both). From about twelve feet away, he wheeled on one leg, limbs waving like he was about to fall over, settled in a spread-eagle stance, and flicked his butt all in one motion. It nailed me right between the eyes. We were all awed into silence, him included.