Why do people even smoke cigarettes?

fakearms123

Now I have smoked a few cigarettes in my time but only for reasons to fit in with a group maybe on a night out when I was absolutely hammered, don't know why I felt the need to fit in that way, I was young but even then I didn't enjoy it. There are so many reasons not to do it and not enough reasons to do it so why do people smoke cigarettes when:

• Cigarettes are very expensive.
• Smoking causes cancer and can kill you.
• Cigarettes taste horrible and make your breath stink, not attractive.
• Cigarettes leave your fingers and teeth a yellow colour, again not attractive.
• Smoke can stink up your clothes, lynx does not cover it up.
• Cigarettes give you a digusting horse voice, it's what I'd imagine a cabbage to sound like if it could talk.
• You have to go out into the cold or rain if your smoking on a night out, unless the beer garden is heated, even then its still cold.
• Smokers can't enjoy a bus/train/plane journey without getting all twitchy over their next cigarette.
• Smokers can't enjoy a meal in a restaurant without heading outside for a quick cigarette.

So even after all these reasons why do people still smoke?

DeVore

Because they are addictive.


DeV.

Penn

Because they look cool.

_feedback_

Nicotine.

And, you must be smoking something if you are picturing a cabbage making horse noises. Neeeigh.

fakearms123 wrote: »

Cigarettes give you a digusting horse voice, it's what I'd imagine a cabbage to sound like if it could talk.

antodeco

Because smoking a kipper would just look silly

Snakeblood

You can flick one into a dudes eye, then throw him off a building while music plays.*

How badass is that.


*Idea copyright SB movies Inc.

Jake Rugby Walrus666

Because we're cool, nerd.

biko

The Smoking forum will tell you

Pookah

If you believe in Freuds theory of oral fixation, then cigarettes fit the bill. Because they're so highly addicitve, it's hard to stop.

I'm off them two weeks myself. Now I'm off to the coffeeshop to smoke another joint, and pat myself on the back for beating the ciggies.

Banjaxed82

Because either consciously or unconsciously they have low self-esteem to some extent. Who would knowingly kill themselves, while making it so obvious for the world to see?

I'm an ex-smoker, and thought the same thing when I did smoke. This isn't some born again, ex-smoker health freak rant.

FatherLen

is that "stop smoking" ad there by coincidence

ToniTuddle

I've never been able to get addicted! God knows I tried when I was wee :pac:

Use to always bring a pack out on a night and only smoke one or two when intoxicated. Actually ended up giving away alot of them......no wonder smokers liked to hang out with me :eek::eek::eek:

ScumLord

• Cigarettes are very expensive.

No they're not, they're heavily taxed, there's a big difference.

[*]Smoking causes cancer and can kill you.

Everything causes cancer and your going to die regardless.

[*]Cigarettes taste horrible and make your breath stink, not attractive.
[*]Cigarettes leave your fingers and teeth a yellow colour, again not attractive.

These are purely subjective, you've had the anti smoking propaganda burnt into your brain and now find smoking repulsive when really it shouldn't mean anything to you either way. When smoking was cool everyone found it very attractive. Your dealing in fads and fashion.

[*]Smoke can stink up your clothes, lynx does not cover it up.

I'd rather smell of smoke than rancid chemical spray.

[*]Cigarettes give you a digusting horse voice, it's what I'd imagine a cabbage to sound like if it could talk.

Complete nonsense, the smokers deep voice is regarded as sexy. This is just fact.

[*]You have to go out into the cold or rain if your smoking on a night out, unless the beer garden is heated, even then its still cold.

I don't have to I'm forced outside by nonsense like this.

[*]Smokers can't enjoy a bus/train/plane journey without getting all twitchy over their next cigarette.

There's nothing enjoyable about being stuck on a plane. Bus and train are slightly more enjoyable because there's something to look at out the window but public transport is not enjoyable.

[*]Smokers can't enjoy a meal in a restaurant without heading outside for a quick cigarette.

I can enjoy an meal and go out and smoke what's your point?

So even after all these reasons why do people still smoke?

I smoke purely to annoy people like you.

weemcd

There's a perverse enjoyment in a good smoke, I love getting sat down with a cup of tea or cofee and sparking one up, I like on a cold but bright day going out the front of my house with a chair and sitting up having a couple of fags talking to the neighbours, I like standing outside with my work collogues having a good sociable smoke, I like getting a good pint sat down in a smoking area or a beer garden, in general I like chatting to people standing outside a hotel as the conversation seems to be easier there than sat at our own tables inside, even something simple like getting a loose or a spark of a lighter when you don't have one gets the ball rolling.

I know they are doing me harm, I know they are expensive, but I enjoy them in away that's almost worth the cost

The Hill Billy

biko wrote: »

The Smoking forum will tell you

Sorry Biko - this type of thread is contrary to the Smoking forum's charter. Back to you.

HB

biko

G'dammit

Yeah that's cool, we'll continue in AH

The Hill Billy

That was quick!

Morlar

I am off cigarettes a couple of months now and sometimes wonder the same thing. Then I remember how it feels to have one with coffee after a meal or how it feels to have one when you are stressed, or to help you concentrate etc etc. People who never smoked have no concept of this. Just don't even bother trying to understand it's a waste of time for everyone. imo.

Ectoplasm

Hey it's thread tennis!

Banjaxed82 wrote: »

Because either consciously or unconsciously they have low self-esteem to some extent. Who would knowingly kill themselves, while making it so obvious for the world to see?

I'm an ex-smoker, and thought the same thing when I did smoke. This isn't some born again, ex-smoker health freak rant.

No not the ex-smoker health freak rant. It is the superior ex-smoker rant.

Pfft, know your rants. :D

pwd

Smoking in the immediate term helps you concentrate, control anxiety, and stay rational. It also stimulates you, and relieves constipation.

However it makes you more anxious and less rational when you stop smoking (within hours - the more addicted you are, the shorter the time). If you stop for longer (days to weeks) your concentration level might be non-existent for a while too.

So you smoke more.

I disagree with the villification of smokers. Smoking helps stay rational and controlled. You might just as well villify people for not smoking: "How dare people not smoke - they are liable to lose control and hurt people, they can't concentrate properly or remember things as well, so they are unable to contribute as much to society." etc

If you're not blowing smoke in people's faces, then the only person whose business it is whether you smoke or not is you yourself.

AnonoBoy

ScumLord wrote: »

No they're not, they're heavily taxed, there's a big difference.

Not to your pocket there's not!

That_Guy

Used to smoke and can understand why people do. It's rather a sociable habit while being anti-social.... If that makes sense.

Yakult

fakearms123 wrote: »

• Cigarettes are very expensive. So is alcohol
• Smoking causes cancer and can kill you. Drink can cause many more problems
• Cigarettes taste horrible and make your breath stink, not attractive. Drink smells like piss and makes you act like a fool
• Cigarettes leave your fingers and teeth a yellow colour, again not attractive.Wine leaves your teeth/lips dark red/purple
• Smoke can stink up your clothes, lynx does not cover it up. Drink smells just as bad if not worse
• Cigarettes give you a digusting horse voice, it's what I'd imagine a cabbage to sound like if it could talk.Drink makes you stupid
• You have to go out into the cold or rain if your smoking on a night out, unless the beer garden is heated, even then its still cold.Drink makes coldness less bitter
• Smokers can't enjoy a bus/train/plane journey without getting all twitchy over their next cigarette. depends on person
• Smokers can't enjoy a meal in a restaurant without heading outside for a quick cigarette. depends on person

So even after all these reasons why do people still smoke?

so why do people drink? Because people enjoy it and see it as a pleasure.

These threads have been done and done and done to death.

liah

I can't seem to get addicted to them. They're very much something I can take or leave.

I'm pretty sure for me it's an oral fixation (calm yerselves ) thing when I do smoke just fags though. Reminds me of a pacifier (or whatever they're called in Ireland, I forget) for adults. Soothing. I used to grab a long piece of string and tie knots in it using my tongue to keep me busy, or have a big bowl of sunflower seeds at my desk while working at the computer.. smoking seems to fit the same bill.

That said, I only have fags when I'm with people, or really stressed out (which is incredibly rare). A pack could sit in front of me for weeks and I wouldn't touch it. Weed I have daily but have never had addiction issues with that either.

The smell does piss me off though, my housemate's a regular smoker and it's impossible to keep clothes smelling nice in this damn house.

Everything can kill you these days, smokes are just another on a long list. I doubt it'll be what kills me.

scientific1982

Because they trigger reward centres in the brain and I need them to stop me killing people.

thebigbiffo

i smoke cos when it's windy and cold and i've my collar up, and i squint in just the right way i look like james dean. :cool:

now, come on, tell me seriously that's not worth lung cancer?

CiaranMT

Pookah wrote: »

If you believe in Freuds theory of oral fixation, then cigarettes fit the bill. Because they're so highly addicitve, it's hard to stop.

Freud :rolleyes:

Irish Guitarist

They can go for breaks from work as often as they like. I used to work with a girl who did practically nothing all day and went for a cigarette break every half hour. I got sick of it one day and said "I'm going to take a break for a few minutes". The manager said "OK" and gave me a weird look. He had no problem with the girl disappearing every half hour though.

They also get to litter the environment by throwing butts all over the streets. If anyone else threw their rubbish around the streets they'd be seen as disgusting. When a smoker does it it's alright though because they feel they're entitled to "smokers rights".

smokedeels

fakearms123 wrote: »

So even after all these reasons why do people still smoke?

I smoke and I wouldn't start a thread about it, why have you such an interest in other people’s habits?

Your "reasons not to smoke" are nothing new, all smokers know these things, and – for me personally- in regarding to the health risks, I’ve thought about them and decided that I enjoy smoking enough to take my chances.

--Kaiser--

fakearms123 wrote: »

So even after all these reasons why do people still smoke?

People smoke because they enjoy it. Non-smokers think that it's just because they're addicted but that's not the case (at least not for everyone). Many savour the smell, relish the taste and enjoy the buzz that it gives.

Smokers enjoy the camaraderie they can share with other smokers. Going out for a fag. Sneaking out for a quick smoke. It's a sociable thing, it's no secret that generally the smoking section is the liveliest part of a pub.

Even when alone, people enjoy smoking as it gives you an excuse to go outside, get some fresh air (along with some fresh smoke) get away from it all, just for a few minutes.

Faith+1

paddyirishman85 wrote: »

Because they look cool.

Super Cool with Yellow Teeth, Smelly Breath and Black Lungs. Hi my name is NICO!

AnonoBoy

--Kaiser-- wrote: »

Smokers enjoy the camaraderie they can share with other smokers. Going out for a fag.

There is a camaraderie alright but smokers tend to be very cliquey.

As soon as I produce my crack pipe in the smoking area at work they all disappear.

Overheal

They can really cap off a good Session. And since I rarely ever go on a serious "session" I rarely ever smoke, so win: no addiction

liah

I find people with yellow teeth and bad breath more tolerable than those who sit there judging people who are doing nothing to anyone else but themselves.

Superiority complexes are far more off-putting, imho!

AnonoBoy

liah wrote: »

Superiority complexes are far more off-putting, imho!

And, as we all know, superiority complexes give you Face AIDS.

gsxr1

I started smoking because I was a dumb kid who thought it was cool.

I have not smoked in 4 years now . From 20 a day to nothing.

Its still there sometimes. But once you get a smell of them again I soon come to my senses.

People smoke because they dont have the will power to quit. Nearly every smoker I know would like to be off them but just cant do it. They like(like I did ) to put it off to a far away date.
I know why. The addiction is like is like a hunger.

I would recommend quiting to anyone who does smoke. It really is the way to go. Hard as hell though and I would not yet class myself as one who has kicked the habit just yet.

Pookah

CiaranMT wrote: »

Freud :rolleyes:

I'm afreud so.

liah

What's it feel like to be addicted to something?

readyletsgo

ScumLord wrote: »

No they're not, they're heavily taxed, there's a big difference.

But your paying it in full you moron!
If not your supporting the crim's!

Everything causes cancer and your going to die regardless.

Yes very true, but if you dont smoke thats one less thing to give you cancer!

These are purely subjective, you've had the anti smoking propaganda burnt into your brain and now find smoking repulsive when really it shouldn't mean anything to you either way. When smoking was cool everyone found it very attractive. Your dealing in fads and fashion.

Nope, I'm off smokes two months now and happy out! I still miss it the odd time and think it looks cool still but it stinks and is rank and is something to do if your bored!

I'd rather smell of smoke than rancid chemical spray.

Really? If you give up smoking you will get your sense of smell back and you will smell how rank tobacco smells off people and of course a stronger smell of lynx lol

Complete nonsense, the smokers deep voice is regarded as sexy. This is just fact.

Yes it is but thats only on women, on men its fcukin disgusting! Dont forget all that hackin up you do (I used to do) in the mornings...

I don't have to I'm forced outside by nonsense like this.

Your forced outside because it makes the pub stink!

There's nothing enjoyable about being stuck on a plane.

Thats true, but its easier when you are a non smoker:D

Bus and train are slightly more enjoyable because there's something to look at out the window but public transport is not enjoyable.

This is very true!!!!

I can enjoy an meal and go out and smoke what's your point?

You need to go out for a smoke after eating, thats every meal you have had and every meal you will have untill you die! Thats the point!

I smoke purely to annoy people like you.

Lol lovely, well done you!!!

Bitter smokers, I used to be like you, non-smokers are sh!theads who dont know what they are missing!
I couldnt give a flying fook if you smoke but you should brush up on health issues on smoking love.

Pookah

liah wrote: »

What's it feel like to be addicted to something?

Have you never been in love?

pickarooney

liah wrote: »

Reminds me of a pacifier (or whatever they're called in Ireland, I forget) for adults. Soothing.

Damn, yeah, what do they call those soothing things that are used to soothe babies with their soothingness? :P

liah

Pookah wrote: »

Have you never been in love?

I have. I just figured addiction to something like cigarettes would be a bit different to the experience of love.

EDIT: @pickarooney, Are they called soothers in Ireland? I remember some other name for them.

seamus

liah wrote: »

What's it feel like to be addicted to something?

You know when you're faced with the prospect of doing two things, such as either doing some housework, or sitting on the couch watching TV.

And you know when you in your head you're saying to yourself, "Need to do the housework, Need to do the housework, Need to do the housework, Need to do the housework, Need to do the housework", but you absolutely cannot muster up the strength, so instead you say, "Ah fnck it. Housework can wait. TV."

That's what addiction is like. Half the time you're not really aware that you're doing it (though you are enjoying it) and the other half of the time, you don't really care that you're doing it, because doing it is fun.

Wagon

I dont scab people for cigarettes
I dont blow smoke in children's faces
I dont insist on smoking in a non smoking house
I dont smoke in the middle of a crowded bus shelter

In fact, i do my very best to keep my habit to myself.

So why can't you anti smoking bellends do the same with your opinions? :mad:

ScumLord

AnonoBoy wrote: »

Not to your pocket there's not!

There is when I have my cigarettes sent over from Spain because of the tax. €50 for a months supply.

Darraghnormal

Because smoking weed is illegal.

pickarooney

liah wrote: »

I have. I just figured addiction to something like cigarettes would be a bit different to the experience of love.

EDIT: @pickarooney, Are they called soothers in Ireland? I remember some other name for them.

Yeah, there is another name but only stupid people use that. Morons, idiots, half-wits and shop-window mannequins.

Pookah

liah wrote: »

I have. I just figured addiction to something like cigarettes would be a bit different to the experience of love.

Well, I suppose there are some differences.

...but longing for a cigarette, I get that same feeling in my chest that you get longing for your lover, and it builds and builds until you can't think of anything else, and the only relief is when the cigarette holds you in it's warm embrace, until you part and the cycle continues.

Something like that.

Lia_lia

I never understood how someone could get addicted to cigarettes. I used to always smoke every now and then on nights out just because my friends would hand them to me. And sometimes on breaks from work. Never craved them. Can some people just not get addicted to them..?

DarkJager

Lia_lia wrote: »

I never understood how someone could get addicted to cigarettes. I used to always smoke every now and then on nights out just because my friends would hand them to me. And sometimes on breaks from work. Never craved them. Can some people just not get addicted to them..?

Smoking every now and then is a lot different to smoking every day.

Banjaxed82

Most people's reason for smoking is describing the physical affects of addiction to smoking. That's just a bi-product of what's going on deep within your noodle. It's like being in love my hole. Sad man to compare it to love.