Community Chat

[Animal Lover]

A lot of poor people smoke. Maybe it pacifies them in some way or fills a void.

[NoelSeven]

On 1/13/2014 VanSleepy said: Because they are addicted...it's relaxing...it's enjoyable...they want to stay thin...they think they can quit before any harm is done...

There it is! That used to be a real factor. I wonder if anyone thinks that now?

[pattypeep]

Both of my parents smoked. I grew up w/ three siblings and every one of us smoked as young adults. I often have wondered if breathing in their second hand smoke in our car and in the house as we grew up had something to do with us smoking later on. Two of my brothers are gone ~ one due to smoking and the other, we don't know. I and my last brother no longer smoke. In my case and the case of my DH, we were addicted, yes, but we truly enjoyed smoking. My DH has also quit. That was over three years ago. I said to my DH one evening as we were chatting that if I was told that I only had six months to live, that I would go right out and buy a carton of cigarettes. I asked if he would as well ~ he only thought for a split second and said "yes". So, for some of us, it's more than an addiction. Fortunately, my three adult children do not smoke.

[Preds]

It's an enjoyable, relaxing addiction that is very personal. You don't need others or special places or circumstances to enjoy the feeling.

[NoelSeven]

On 1/13/2014 rarejan said:

People smoke for many reasons. I smoked because I enjoyed it. That's hard for a non-smoker to understand, but then there are a lot of things people do that I don't understand and just leave it be. So I can only speak for myself. Was I in denial? Of course not. I was well aware of the health risks and knew several in my circle who were having problems related to smoking. Did I think it was cool? Again of course not. I wasn't trying to be cool. I enjoyed the act of smoking, taking that break, talking to fellow smokers whose life styles were similar to my own, making friends and forming bonds. There's a bond among smokers unlike others. And of course there's the addiction. But I certainly was well aware of what that meant and what it was doing to me. It was my choice.

Having said all that, I am smoke-free now for a few months shy of two years. It took me a while to make the decision and find a solution to my addiction. Those who thought badgering me or bullying me into not smoking made absolutely no dent in my resolve to do what I wanted. That sort of thing just does not work. The reasons people quit are as unique as each of us. I can share with a smoker what I used to finally quit, but it's an individual journey.

Congratulations, rarejan!

You brought up an excellent point. There is a bond, there's also ritual behavior around smoking: lighting up with a cup of coffee or a cocktail, that kind of thing.

When I quite smoking, I changed a lot of little things I did because it was standard practice to smoke at the same time or place.

[rarejan]

On 1/13/2014 Animal Lover said:

A lot of poor people smoke. Maybe it pacifies them in some way or fills a void.

This is a pretty broad generalization. Smoking runs across all economic categories. I find the statement that it pacifies them in some way puzzling. Smoking does not pacify anyone, regardless of their income level. It also does not necessarily fill a void.

[NoelSeven]

On 1/13/2014 twopeas said:

Both of my parents smoked. I grew up w/ three siblings and every one of us smoked as young adults. I often have wondered if breathing in their second hand smoke in our car and in the house as we grew up had something to do with us smoking later on. Two of my brothers are gone ~ one due to smoking and the other, we don't know. I and my last brother no longer smoke. In my case and the case of my DH, we were addicted, yes, but we truly enjoyed smoking. My DH has also quit. That was over three years ago. I said to my DH one evening as we were chatting that if I was told that I only had six months to live, that I would go right out and buy a carton of cigarettes. I asked if he would as well ~ he only thought for a split second and said "yes". So, for some of us, it's more than an addiction. Fortunately, my three adult children do not smoke.

twopeas... and you've all quit. That's a real accomplishment

[ahoymate]

On 1/13/2014 Animal Lover said:

A lot of poor people smoke. Maybe it pacifies them in some way or fills a void.

Or they are not educated about the side effects.

Many movie stars smoke, Many to keep weight off & nicotine is very addictive.

[gazelle77]

I ask the same thing about why people eat so bad when they know that the saturated, trans fats sugar. simple carbs etc. are killing them.... why would you eat something just because it tastes good??, or just because it is Christmas or for whatever reason people eat wrong--- what ever the excuse. I would never consume food that is not good for me as I choose to be healthy as I can. People have to want to be healthy... and want to not smoke or eat wrong more than getting the few moments of pleasure(?) that these two things give you.

[JJsMom]

On 1/13/2014 NoelSeven said:

On 1/13/2014 VanSleepy said: Because they are addicted...it's relaxing...it's enjoyable...they want to stay thin...they think they can quit before any harm is done...

There it is! That used to be a real factor. I wonder if anyone thinks that now?

I'm sure many do. A lot of celebs smoke. Even Jessica Alba smokes (I've read she's a chain smoker), but she is always promoting a healthy, organic lifestyle. I have even seen photos of Kate Winslet, Jennifer Aniston, and Keira Knightley smoking.