Discussion
Hope to have a reasoned intelligent debate here....
OK, I'll start by saying I don't smoke, tried it for a couple of days many many years ago,...even tried a pipe, did nothing for me, Mrs WR can't abide smoking, and thankfully my three (grown up) lads don't smoke.
However, I recognise it's a free country, and if you choose to smoke fair enough, no argument there.
But, given that it has been proven that smoking harms your health, (My mother and four of her sisters died with smoking related illnesses...my last auntie died two years ago, she was out of breath walking across the room)......why do people continue to smoke knowing this?
I appreciate to many it's a "pleasure", and to others it's a drug that they would love to give up but can't because they are addicted, but surely it's never too late to stop, plus you could probably save a fortune as well, given the price of fags, (most of which goes in tax anyway to the government, unless you know "a mate" who can get you some cheap smokes in a pub.....
I would be interested in the views of smokers and non smokers alike.
OK, I'll start by saying I don't smoke, tried it for a couple of days many many years ago,...even tried a pipe, did nothing for me, Mrs WR can't abide smoking, and thankfully my three (grown up) lads don't smoke.
However, I recognise it's a free country, and if you choose to smoke fair enough, no argument there.
But, given that it has been proven that smoking harms your health, (My mother and four of her sisters died with smoking related illnesses...my last auntie died two years ago, she was out of breath walking across the room)......why do people continue to smoke knowing this?
I appreciate to many it's a "pleasure", and to others it's a drug that they would love to give up but can't because they are addicted, but surely it's never too late to stop, plus you could probably save a fortune as well, given the price of fags, (most of which goes in tax anyway to the government, unless you know "a mate" who can get you some cheap smokes in a pub.....
I would be interested in the views of smokers and non smokers alike.
I'm not a smoker, but I do smoke if offered. I know someone who's always got a packet of cigarettes and my crowd is always telling him 'Oh, you shouldn't be doing that, it's bad for your health', as if that was some kind of revelation. I got so pissed off them acting like they were his grandmother that I decided I'd start.
I've got to die some day and I've got no desire to live to be really old, because chances are all just become useless and irritating, but given the infrequency with which I smoke, I really doubt it's likely to affect me anyway.
I've got to die some day and I've got no desire to live to be really old, because chances are all just become useless and irritating, but given the infrequency with which I smoke, I really doubt it's likely to affect me anyway.
It's the same with fat people. They continue to eat despite all the risks of health problems, when they could simply eat less.
Similar to yourself, I have never really smoked. Tried it a couple of times during college, and occasionally socially when on a drunk night out, but that's it. Doesn't really do anything for me, so never taken it up.
As to my first example about being fat and how I think it compares to smoking well. I would not class myself as at the peek of my fitness, but yet I continue to eat more than I need to. Why, because I enjoy eating. I was brought up with big meals, and it's continued through my life.
Many smokers who I know started at school, and have just continued as it's habit. Those who want to stop and give it up usually manage. It's just a case of wanting to change.
Similar to yourself, I have never really smoked. Tried it a couple of times during college, and occasionally socially when on a drunk night out, but that's it. Doesn't really do anything for me, so never taken it up.
As to my first example about being fat and how I think it compares to smoking well. I would not class myself as at the peek of my fitness, but yet I continue to eat more than I need to. Why, because I enjoy eating. I was brought up with big meals, and it's continued through my life.
Many smokers who I know started at school, and have just continued as it's habit. Those who want to stop and give it up usually manage. It's just a case of wanting to change.
I smoke about 8 a day, depend on how my day goes, so not loads. Parents don't smoke, it's expensive, agreed it's bad for your health (although can't say I notice much).
I would like to not spend on them and not think about the health issues (not that I worry about them terribly much).
I enjoy them and like the routine of having ones at the same time most days. It's 'my' thing, as in it's not social, bit of a getaway I suppose as I like to smoke alone when I have one. I haven't quit because the simply reason, I don't want to.
I would like to not spend on them and not think about the health issues (not that I worry about them terribly much).
I enjoy them and like the routine of having ones at the same time most days. It's 'my' thing, as in it's not social, bit of a getaway I suppose as I like to smoke alone when I have one. I haven't quit because the simply reason, I don't want to.
Edited by jamesedwards on Wednesday 15th October 00:36
I used to smoke after about 93 pints,don't seem to get pissed enough these days. Jobs' are too bloody serious.
Heard from an old mate (apprenticeship) about an old mate who took up pipe smoking in his late twenties. Snuffed it in 5 years - Throat Cancer. Thing is i like the smell of the sweeter pipe tobacco's - I couldn't GAF if you're number's up etc. Way too many fitness bores around these days. Pubs are also a much poorer place now the characters are out in the porch. F*ckin vegetarian,green,fitness freak do-gooders. Feck off and make someone else's life miserable.
Heard from an old mate (apprenticeship) about an old mate who took up pipe smoking in his late twenties. Snuffed it in 5 years - Throat Cancer. Thing is i like the smell of the sweeter pipe tobacco's - I couldn't GAF if you're number's up etc. Way too many fitness bores around these days. Pubs are also a much poorer place now the characters are out in the porch. F*ckin vegetarian,green,fitness freak do-gooders. Feck off and make someone else's life miserable.
I on the other hand do smoke, rollies and am addicted no doubt ,have been for 40 something years.
I've tried giving up ,yes but gave in after 5 days because my mood swings became unbearable to loved ones.
It's not something I'm proud of yet hope to give up before I'm 60 (4 years) although I'm still pretty fit for a guy who smokes this much every day.
I've tried giving up ,yes but gave in after 5 days because my mood swings became unbearable to loved ones.
It's not something I'm proud of yet hope to give up before I'm 60 (4 years) although I'm still pretty fit for a guy who smokes this much every day.
Dont smoke and have never even had one, however i do drink little but often so probably over the recommended amount fairly regular and am overweight. Assuming that the smoking is done in a place where it either doesnt affect others or only affects those who chose to be affected why should they be punished and i not?
Why make smokers stand outside? What was wrong with smoking rooms (with good filtration)?
Why make smokers stand outside? What was wrong with smoking rooms (with good filtration)?
I packed it in about 4years ago . I loved a Marlboro light and would go through around 20 a day . I had a bit of a revelation one day when I realised I spent a lot of time , even while smoking , concerned about when I could have another .
When my next break was , could I smoke in whatever location I was going to , couldn't smoke in car when children were with me . It was taking over my life !
I still catch the occasional waft of fresh smoke and can appreciate the attraction but I'm not willing to hand control of my peace of mind to £9 worth of Marlboro lights anymore .
I'm jealous of those who can have the occasional pack , I'm all or nothing though .
Firmly believe that as adults , you've got the right to do what you like - it's entirely your choice - make an informed decision based on evidence and your own viewpoint
When my next break was , could I smoke in whatever location I was going to , couldn't smoke in car when children were with me . It was taking over my life !
I still catch the occasional waft of fresh smoke and can appreciate the attraction but I'm not willing to hand control of my peace of mind to £9 worth of Marlboro lights anymore .
I'm jealous of those who can have the occasional pack , I'm all or nothing though .
Firmly believe that as adults , you've got the right to do what you like - it's entirely your choice - make an informed decision based on evidence and your own viewpoint
Back to the top said:
Firmly believe that as adults , you've got the right to do what you like - it's entirely your choice - make an informed decision based on evidence and your own viewpoint
ClassicMotorNut said:
I'm not a smoker, but I do smoke if offered. I know someone who's always got a packet of cigarettes and my crowd is always telling him 'Oh, you shouldn't be doing that, it's bad for your health', as if that was some kind of revelation. I got so pissed off them acting like they were his grandmother that I decided I'd start.
I've got to die some day and I've got no desire to live to be really old, because chances are all just become useless and irritating, but given the infrequency with which I smoke, I really doubt it's likely to affect me anyway.
But you're already about 80!I've got to die some day and I've got no desire to live to be really old, because chances are all just become useless and irritating, but given the infrequency with which I smoke, I really doubt it's likely to affect me anyway.
I am not a smoker but I like smoking, especially in some circustances, while drinking coffee for example. I don't remember the last I bought cigarettes but if offered I rarely say no.
I drink too much even if I try to compensate running, cycling and swimming more, even if getting older and equally busy at work my lifestyle is proving hard to follow.
But I can't just imagine a life without wine...
I drink too much even if I try to compensate running, cycling and swimming more, even if getting older and equally busy at work my lifestyle is proving hard to follow.
But I can't just imagine a life without wine...
I'm a 20/30 a day man and have been for 30 years. Now creeping towards 50, a age when things start crumbling or not working, I'm getting into the E-cigs to cut down a bit.
I think the Govt should be pushing them, not banning them. Today a NHS spokesperson has said smoking should be banned out in the open, places like parks and squares. That's going a bit far, most smokers know where they should smoke, away from crowds or kids.
I think the Govt should be pushing them, not banning them. Today a NHS spokesperson has said smoking should be banned out in the open, places like parks and squares. That's going a bit far, most smokers know where they should smoke, away from crowds or kids.
I've gone from anti- in my youth to smoking for a decade and back. I don't buy the passive smoking argument; non-smokers don't usually live to the 35,000 years of age it would take to get lung cancer that way. It does smell rank, though, now my nose is back working. And I would say...
A desire to force your own choices on others says a lot about you. And not in a good way. Educate people and let them make their own choices. No smoking except in designated smoking rooms works.
A desire to force your own choices on others says a lot about you. And not in a good way. Educate people and let them make their own choices. No smoking except in designated smoking rooms works.
Infrequent social smoker.
All the most interesting chat/banter goes on in the smoking area of bars/clubs. Also an excellent way of meeting/striking up a conversation with women.
If I'm not drinking/drunk, I won't smoke. As mentioned by another poster above, in the right context it's a very pleasurable experience. 3-4 cigs per month is a world away from a 20 a day habit. How people can smoke first thing in the morning or in a confined space such as their car is beyond me.
Plus, smoking is ruddy expensive - £7-8 for 20. That's a lot of cash to go up in smoke every day.
All the most interesting chat/banter goes on in the smoking area of bars/clubs. Also an excellent way of meeting/striking up a conversation with women.
If I'm not drinking/drunk, I won't smoke. As mentioned by another poster above, in the right context it's a very pleasurable experience. 3-4 cigs per month is a world away from a 20 a day habit. How people can smoke first thing in the morning or in a confined space such as their car is beyond me.
Plus, smoking is ruddy expensive - £7-8 for 20. That's a lot of cash to go up in smoke every day.
grumbledoak said:
I've gone from anti- in my youth to smoking for a decade and back. I don't buy the passive smoking argument; non-smokers don't usually live to the 35,000 years of age it would take to get lung cancer that way. It does smell rank, though, now my nose is back working. And I would say...
A desire to force your own choices on others says a lot about you. And not in a good way. Educate people and let them make their own choices. No smoking except in designated smoking rooms works.
Whether you 'buy' it or not isn't really relevant. It has been unequivocally proven.A desire to force your own choices on others says a lot about you. And not in a good way. Educate people and let them make their own choices. No smoking except in designated smoking rooms works.
I believe Roy Castle died of a form of lung cancer that can only be contracted through inhalation of smoke. Non-smoker but spent a lot of time in smoky clubs...
DoubleSix said:
Whether you 'buy' it or not isn't really relevant. It has been unequivocally proven.
Please provide a link. Smoking causes lung cancer, that is proven, with risk proportional to dose as you would expect. The same graph showed background levels of lung cancer too. Other carcinogens are available.Gassing Station | Health Matters | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff