Smoking. I do it because I love it.

[Serafis]

Smoking, I advise you to stop doing it because it would be part of my job description.

Well that's fine. If you want to smoke then that's your decision. I don't understand people's objection to smokers. if you don't want to smoke fine (i don't) but you shouldn't try to force your lifestyle choices on other people.

I suppose. Then again, you can take this to the extreme and be like "you shouldn't try to stop someone from suicide because it's their lifestyle choice", which is obviously dumb as well. The fact of the matter is that smoking is, for the most part, suicidal in a very slow and painful manner. I can't change you from doing it, but I certainly would want you to at least think why is it that we'd want you to quit and how stopping smoking would help improve your economic and healthy wellbeing.

 

[Zenn3k]

I smoke because:

I've given up on trying to be productive in life
I lost sight in 1 of my eyes, a couple years ago, for which there is no current medical help.
I'm also epileptic and have to take medication for every day, which annoys me greatly.
I can't stand how poorly the education system is run in this country, and therefore I hate school, and therefore have no degree.
Blah blah blah, more shitty stuff about my life.
and I'm too much of a coward to hang/shoot/slit/drown myself

I frankly don't care if I die at 40 from lung cancer. Kinda counting on it, to be honest. However its likely that I'll end up living to 120 y/o smoking a pack and a half a day.

Also, if I don't have one after about 5 hours, I get very edgy and angry.

 

[UberNoodle]

The thing is, the law as it stands would not allow such a pub to exist. Plenty of bar workers are smokers and wouldn't mind smoking being allowed in their pubs, and the same goes for landlords. The reason for the blanket ban is because before the ban, pubs were free to ban smoking (and some did indeed do this) but the overwhelming majority of people preferred the permissive pubs, and so any partial ban would be defeated by the market (i.e. pub goers) choosing smoking pubs over non-smoking pubs.
I know what you mean about smokers should know better. For example, I have never and would never smoke in a restaurant - people are eating and regardless of whether it is allowed or not, I would consider it unpleasant and out of order. That's the sort of thing that should be left up to the restaurant owner though, and if there is a market for smoking restaurants, then I don't see why the fact that I don't like smoke+food should stop the people who would enjoy it from being able to go.
So no, I can't find such a pub, because the anti-smoking laws are so draconian as to prevent everyone from smoking in any pub, rather than allowing smokers to gather in their own places.

As for the case for passive smoking being overstated, I resent the implication that my opinion is coloured by my smoking. If you actually look at the studies and evidence that is placed in its favour, it doesn't hold up to any significant degree. Massive amounts of passive smoking are required to make any statistically significant difference in health, and even then the increase is very small. If you want to take your absolute position, surely you are against people being able to drive? I mean, cars blow smoke into the road and pedestrians have to breathe that shit, and it is certainly bad for you.

I already addressed the matter of cars in post above, and I think it is a futile avenue to take the discussion down. Honestly, cars are fact of life relating to far more poeple than smoking does. And, it's for the most part, not an optional activity. So yes, it is a lesser evil, but it is illegal to drive a car that releases excess pollutants into the air.

Now, I live in Japan where, depending on one's point of view, the smoking laws are more or less draconian. It is very common to smoke in restaurants, and it mystifies me why people would want to chase down a wonderful meal with a cigarette. In most places, due to shoebox-like dimenions, the difference between the two sections (if there is segregation at all) is mere sign, or air conditioner sucking inneffectually.

And I didn't mean to offend with the insinuation about passive smoking, but whether such smoking ends up causing major health problems or just irritates and bothers, I can't really see how anyone could justify having the right to do that. When do we have the right to bother other people, especially in ways that might make them sick?

As I said before, a smoking section is a smoking section. I accept that what goes on in such a section will involve smoking. However, a smoking section with no walls, is pathetic. Why do these proprietors even bother with the facade? If more smokers showed that they even considered how their actions affected those peopel around them, letting them have their 'right' wouldn't be such a bitter pill to swallow. Sadly, at least here in Japan, a man can stand at a bus stop and smoke and have the gaul to act mystified over the dirty looks that he gets. Sure, there's no sign, but does their even NEED to be a sign?

So, I really feel what your saying, and I have friends that say the same things. It does suck that you have smoke outside in the rain, but honestly, beyond designated zones, I can't understand how smoking around non smokers can be seen as a right, rather than just a privilege. That is what I am talking about. I accept that is an element of hypocrisy in weighing up people's rights, and definately there are times to enforce them and times not to.

Well that's fine. If you want to smoke then that's your decision. I don't understand people's objection to smokers. if you don't want to smoke fine (i don't) but you shouldn't try to force your lifestyle choices on other people.

And I don't disagree. My point is and has always been, that oustide of smoking zones (if they still exist) smokers should not force the by products of their lifestyle choice either, and that includes waltzing down the street leaving a trail of smoke in their wake. I see no reason why it could be such an urgent matter to smoke in such situations. In a smoking section of a bar, then fair enough, but I feel sorry for the people that work in that establishment, because they are getting the raw end of that deal, considerably, whether they know it now or not.

 

[Lionsfan]

I do it because I love the taste of a good menthol, and the nicotine rush.

Ok I can agree with the rush, and yes I smoke. Everyday, whenever and wherever. I'm kinda like you, tried weed stopped now just cigs. But I really have to ask, why Menthol?

 

[AntiAntagonist]

I don't like cigarettes, but tolerate their presence. I do like to smoke flavored shisha and some other things.

 

[Raiha]

i have smoked for the past 7-8 years and i have always smoked because i wanted to. i typically smoked half a pack to a pack a day. lately i haven't really wanted to so i only smoke 1-2 a day. i say smoke if you want to, and don't smoke if you don't.

 

[Dendio]

Don't smoke, never did.

I hate it being around people who smoke, and as such, I hold my breath as long as possible.

I could care less if you did it privately though. Your lungs you want to destroy, man. Just, don't destroy mine.

Same here. My sinuses are very sensitive to smoke, even when it's dispersed outdoors. I try my best to avoid smokers in public, but it's really hard when so many here at Uni blatantly ignore the '25ft from buildings' rule.

Yhea me too, I have a few breathing conditions and smoke bothers me a lot. Coughing, watery eyes, vomiting, the works.

Don't do it in public places guys. Please.

Some states have banned people from smoking inside public places (including bars and bowling allies). It's quite pleasant for us non-smokers, but smokers hate it.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Smoking_ban

 

[klaynexas3]

how do i feel about smoking? let me put it this way, smoke if you got 'em. i don't smoke any more(it was weed), but i think that people who do smoke, good for them, it's their choice, not mine.

 

[Metal Brother]

I've smoked somewhat since I was 18. Though I really didn't get into it until I started smoking weed. Don't smoke weed anymore, just cigarettes.

I'm not addicted though. Been smoking for 2 years now. I do it because I love the taste of a good menthol, and the nicotine rush. Usually only smoke half a pack a day though. Stopped smoking 2 days ago because I ran out. Bought another pack this morning. My brand is marlboro smooth, 100's.

What utter bullshit. Unless you're actually an alien living on Earth and attempting to pass as human. Nicotine is addictive to humans.

As for people who hate the smell, It's very easy to cover up the fact you've been smoking as well. Toothpaste or mouthwash work quite well. Wash your hands. Either smoke outdoors or in a moving car with the windows down to avoid having your clothes and hair smell like smoke. And put the butts in a sealed container instead of an ashtray, like a 20oz pop bottle, until you put your trash out.

Even more bullshit. Non-smokers can pick a smoker out of a crowd without even trying. The techniques you describe can help reduce how strongly you smell, but cannot "cover up the fact you've been smoking" from anyone who actually cares.

Now with this said, I LOVE the smell of smoke and go out of my way to get second-hand smoke when my few smoker friends light up. I call myself a lapsed smoker (I don't believe that there is such a thing as an ex-smoker) who used to smoke 1.5+ packs per day for the better part of 10 years. It's been 5 years since I've smoked, and probably 10 years since I smoked regularly. I too smoked because I loved it and because I was addicted ( ;-) ) but I stopped because the impact on my health was too much to overlook any longer. If I could smoke again without killing myself, going bankrupt, or smelling like ass, I would definitely do it.

Remember: Nobody likes a quitter.

 

[klaynexas3]

It's disgusting, I hate it and you should stop it. I cough LOUDLY whenever i see someone smoking to let them know that I don't care for their smoke. Why on earth would you PAY someone to SLOWLY kill you?

have you ever thought that maybe that's a benefit of smoking to them? maybe they want to die, but can't do it themselves. smoking helps you get away from reality temporarily, and in the long term, speeds up the final escape. some do it just for fun, some do it because they're depressed, either way, that isn't your decision to make for them.

 

[Superbeast]

I can understand your anger at those posts but look at this way: that cars eject fumes is a fact of life, and one that can't be avoided. Certainly, anyone that drives a car that spurts out excess pollution is breaking the law, hence a potential ticket from the police. If such a car drove past, most people would be annoyed because the driver would certainly know about the problem yet doesn't mind inflicting that excess on other people.

True enough - it just irks me when people demonize smokers so much and yet don't give two hoots walking along a busy road (where they're unaffected by pretty much the same emissions).

Regardless of whether or not these fumes are worse than cigarette smoke, is beside the point. That kind of pattern never ends. It doesn't matter how one may be able justify smoke with 'rates of dispersal' and so on, it is still seen as an imposition on the people nearby, and it isn't at all like driving a car.

In terms of being 'downwind', unless one is smoking into a considerable breeze, that never really works. When poeple are upset it's because the smoke is trully bothering them. It might not be bothering them as much as if the smoke came from 'up wind', but the fact remains that the imposition is there. And in return there is an imposition on you.

So what is a smoker to do? He or she can say that they have a right to smoke right there, and continue doing so. Alternatively, he or she can accept the imposition and go elsewhere. The other people's breathing doesn't cause any harm to anyone, and I know that there is also a reciprocal imposition on the smoker, but what's one to do then?

Well here's the thing - I was going to be a little sarcastic about this, but then I noticed you said you were from Japan, where people smoke in very small bars/restaurants etc.

Here in the UK it's illegal to smoke in any public building.

I live in rented accommodation where it's both 1) illegal and 2) in breach of my contract to smoke indoors.

I don't have a car as I can't take one to university.

What the hell am I supposed to do? I don't smoke inside, stay away from doorways (even in the rain), try to stay downwind (even in a light breeze it helps, even if it doesn't keep the smoke away totally) and am careful where I'm blowing my smoke so that it's not right at people. I move away from kids, pregnant women etc. I am doing everything in my power to not get my smoke in peoples' way, and yet I still get demonised both to my face, and here on the forums.

What really, really irks me is that when I'm standing out of the way having a cigarette, and someone walks over to me (coming out of their way to do so) and then coughs in my face and tells me that I should move/stop smoking and that I'm an inconsiderate arsehole. People like that are, quite honestly, dicks.

I always hear about 'rights' and people tend to think that they entitle them to impose on others. Well really, they don't. A smoker being made to move can look at it as being 'the bigger man' or however he or she wants to see it, but in order for both parties' rights to be upheld, a compromise is required.

I agree - as I've said I often do move. It's just the attitude that I get faced with (such as that by Mako SOLDIER on here) is often just as intolerable and a dick-move as blowing smoke in someone's face or smoking indoors.

If the zone is in is not a smoking zone, then short of the other group holding their breath, I think smokers have to accept that most people will expect them to move. That's the way it is and I don't disagree. It is like any activity that imposes adversly on others, but in some ways more so. I accept that there is a degree of hypocrisy in that, and definiately it comes down to context.

Well, like I say, where I live there aren't designated "smoking zones" any more, it's illegal to smoke within a building used by the public, period.

Outside really is the only option we have - particularly in rented accommodation. When we're already "hounded" to that degree in the interest of "compromise/not inflicting our unhealthy habit on others" (use of quote marks because I don't disagree with the smoking ban) it just seems extremely belligerent and (almost) oppressive of people to criticise me, and other smokers, for smoking out-of-doors even if it is a public place (such as a park, university campus, etc).

 

[Joe Deadman]

Personally i've never smoked and prefer it if people who do don't get too close to me when their smoking due to my asthma (needless to say I was VERY happy when my mom gave up).
Otherwise I have no major gripes against smokers except those who throw their cigarette butts all over the streets.
The smell of heavy smokers is kinda annoying but I can bare it.
(Also smokers in l4d can go die in a ditch )

 

[UberNoodle]

EDITED OUT DUE TO SPACE

Well, thankyou very much for an interesting and well written reply. I don't want to demonise anyone. I mean, you aren't an asshole, even if poeple don't appreciate something you are doing. Here's the thing I have noticed after living in Japan for so long, and it took a John Rain book for me to find the way to say it succinctly.

Typically, in Western culture, people assume that whatever offenses are made, MUST have been made intentionally. In Japan, poeple generally assume that such offenses are made without intention. Even if the person offending others IS IN FACT an asshole, generally, people should at least give that person a chance. If that person spits it back in their faces, then go to town. Fair enough.

If someone is smoking in a place that's open and there's no designation to not smoke or otherwise, I will generally use the 'who was here first' rule, and based on that, I'll either express my discomfort, or I will move.

If the person is smoking while blowing the smoke on a no smoking sign, then, while I could allow for them to be illiterate, I would generally not do so.

But, regardless, as you said, in the UK, there ARE no smoking areas anymore, not even on your own balcony. That is perhaps too far. If you are trying your hardest to be a considerate smoker yet, law is painting you into a corner, I can really understand where you are coming from.

Thanks for the explanation.

 

[Skuffyshootster]

Smoking turns you into a donkey.

At least, that's what Pinocchio taught me.

 

[rees263]

People love auto-erotic asphyxiation as well, but that doesn't make it a particularly prosperous idea.

I don't usually laugh out loud so well done sir. I think I love you. Not to auto-erotic asphyxiation levels obviously.

Hey, that's my job... You took my job!

Dey dook dis jaaab!

OT: I used to smoke once when it was cool. Can't do it anymore though, really don't feel well afterwards. I don't mind other people smoking though, as long as it's not in my house or something. I was actually a bit disappointed when they banned smoking in pubs etc. It meant that some of my friends had to go outside on occasion and all the other unsavory smells like sweat and urine started to arise since there was no smoke smell to cover them up.

 

[Mako SOLDIER]

Smoke weed instead, it's healthier.

I have had people come back high off weed and paranoid about someone stealing their slice of bread...
I dont know if you consider that healthy but I dont.

Well it kind of is, look up a documentary called 'The Union', really informative.

It's healthier for some. For others it WILL trigger underlying mental health issues that may never have otherwise manifested. I know firsthand after getting seriously f-ed up by it.

 

[dochmbi]

If there was a product which you could smoke that didn't cause physical addiction or significant health problems, I would be a smoker. Smoking a pipe would be so awesome, I could look so cool and wise

I wonder if there are other people who feel like me and if there would be a significant market for such a product.

 

[MelziGurl]

Well I did retract that statement, because I falsely read the point you mentioned. But since you responded, Why should I suffer from your second-hand smoke? I can understand you wanting to kill yourself but I certainly do want to lead a healthier life. I will happily keep away from someone who is smoking, but if they wish to be up in my face about I will kindly ask them to fuck off. It's that simple. It's your personal choice to smoke, if you don't like how an establishment is run or the laws that are put in place to protect others from your habit then I'm sorry you'll just have to deal with it.

You don't have to suffer from my second hand smoke. You cn just go to your smoke-free pubs. Since people seem to feel so strongly about it, I'm sure there would be plenty of them. You're right to ask someone who is smoking in your face to stop, that's just offensive. But if I want to be able to smoke in a pub somewhere in my town, I'm not forcing you to go there, why shouldn't I be allowed to smoke in it?

Dealing with the edits I've only just seen:

EDIT: My bad, I didn't read properly because I'm tired. So I retract that statement. I think I should be going to bed -_-

EDIT 2: It would be more costly I would imagine to have smoke-free pubs, restaurants etc. It's a cheaper alternative to simply put in a smokers area whether indoor or outdoor and I wouldn't think it that much of a burden to simply walk outside for 5-10mins while you enjoy a cigarette.

Put the shoe on the other foot and ask yourself how much of a burden you would find it to go stand out in the rain while I sit in the pub having a cigarette? Suddenly when you're the one doing it, the minor burden does become a nuisance.
I also don't really understand what you mean by costly. Do you mean that if some pubs were to allow smoking, they would suck away the majority of the customers from the rest? If that is the case, don't you think that the minority here are actually dominating the majority, and not the other way around?

Okay, making certain pubs no-smoking zones really isn't going to work, since pubs generally are no-smoking zones so how about we say a pub goes smoker friendly. That's all fair and well, but what about the customers who visited that place on a regular basis and have never smoked a day in their life. They have to give up their favourite drink time spot in the whole world so that you are allowed to puff your cigarette inside? And what about the business, they are going to lose some loyal people because they are catering to your need to smoke inside. Two people lose out here except for you and a select few others. It's your choice to smoke, why should others be put out by it?

EDIT: Also, in most cases a smoker will smoke more when they are drinking. I use to do it, alot of my friends that I use to be out with STILL do it. People who wish to enjoy their night without all that smoke congesting the air are the ones that get put out.