Why did you start smoking?

The last time I started it was to lose weight and it worked. Is smoked for about a year(If that) and I ended up getting very ill with a horrible sore throat and loss of voice that I thought might be some life threatening cancer. It wasn't cancer but it was enough to make me quit cold turkey and never look back!

Because I enjoy it...funny that wasn't an option...

I started with some really intense russian cigarettes that were relaxing and stony at the time. From there i became a connoisseur of exotic imported cigarettes. It wasn't until I couldn't afford them and resorted to buying domestics that I realised I was addicted.
My uncles story was a riot. His doctor recommended menthol cigarettes for a cold when he was a teen. He's dead from cancer now.

I've smoked a handful of times over the years, but I've never developed a strong desire for cigarettes like I have for a morning cup of coffee...

Sadly is was to be cool and fit in. Although at the time I justified it as self-motivated choice. Now here I am over 15 years later and I'm still smoking.

I tried a cig once when I was about 12 with another kid. I didn't like the effects, couldn't understand why other people did it, and never did it again. Weed was another matter; however, I quit long ago because it cost too much and was too much hassle to get. So tobacco's one bad habit I never had. Both my parents smoked. I also didn't like the smell of stale tobacco on clothes, etc. and the look of burned marks on ashtrays, etc. and used butts in ashtrays in rooms.

To be cool but not for to fit in.I liked to have a cigarette in my hand,but I didn't care about what the others thought about you.All my friends smoked,but all my friends (almost) smoked dope (hashish I mean,not opium and I didn't,so it's not a "please accept me!" kind of thing.The main reason is "I liked the taste of the tobacco." I always smoked strong and tasty cigarettes.
I didn't need to smoke much,since for me it was the same as drinking a single glass of expensive good wine.Never got addicted,and gave up just because my gastritis couldn't bear a little smoking.

I thought it looked cool. I also started by smoking cloves, which smelled and tasted very yummy. Then I moved on to cigarettes; I'm not exactly sure why.

Oh,and when I started smoking at 15 I never had those annoying sick effects everybody talks about.I spent a week without inhaling,then moved to real smoking and never had cough or vomit or anything.

I didn't. I tried a couple of cigarettes when I was a teenager and they were disgusting. It probably helped that my parents were chain-smokers and that they were disgusting too. I never got the rush or whatever it is that people get off nicotine so I really couldn't see why anyone would ever want to smoke tobacco.

I tried it once when I was 17, and I just have not made a effort to stop yet. I only smoke about 2 cigarettes a day- if even that.
I love cloves- but they are illegal here.

I don't smoke, I never have and I never will.

Where do you live that cloves are illegal?

I've never smoked. In my experience, most people who start do it to be cool and to fit in.

To fit in and because I liked the taste. I don't smoke now.

I've NEVER tried smoking,or curious about it ever. I think it smells awful on you, it sticks into your hair and clothes. I don't say anything about people that smoke, except they should respect people that don't. Not all smokers respect others.

Utah

My boyfriend smoked and he talked me into starting it. I was only 14 or 15 so I guess I did it to please him

Never did.

I don't smoke cigarettes.

How bizarre.

Thanks for the links.
Odd.

just cause i thought it was cool.

I went to a comedy club on Tuesday and one of the acts was American (from California) and she said the first thing she noticed about the UK was how many people smoke - but like all over the place. In bars, restaurants, comedy clubs. I will say though, as a smoker, that banning smoking on public transport is a good idea.

Since the smoking bans here in california the parking lots of nightclubs have become extended party grounds. I smoke yet voted for the bans. The few times I've nearly quit I got clear enough to smell a smoker nearly a block away. I can understand how they object.

as a stress reliever...but then it became my best friend so to speak, those 5-7 minutes were my time to think and breathe and reflect on the stuff in the world around me

I think anyplace that gives smokers little smoke breaks should also give non smokers little pondering breaks.

Because I was too young to drink.

What do you smoke?

what do you smoke?

*stares at option about losing weight*
I haven't heard of that before.
*dangerous look in her eyes*

I smoke cigarettes and weed. Your turn.

i agree w/ that, for when i was pregnant, i needed that 5-7 minutes BIG time!!!

grass

I had a huge craving for a cigarette. But then I decided it was stupid and quit.

I guess I first started smoking to be cool. I was in the "popular" crowd when I was in school. I was 12 or 13 when I started smoking. A few of my friends smoked and I think I thought it was cool. I've smoked ever since. I've tried to quit several times, but can't do it. I even smoked through my whole pregnancy. I'd still like to quit, but my nerves can't handle it right now.

Cool want to twist up a fatty and get chiefy?

love to! We're out where I live.

We just got some good stuff. Are you anywhere near Ohio?

Nope, but I did just find some the other day...to bad I'm almost out again.
I hate droughts!

My dad gave me a cigarette when I was about 10. It was the first and last I'll ever smoke. I'll do the same with my kids one day. Get the highest tar strongest cigarette I can and get them to try it. It will put them off for life.

Because I was stupid and I wanted to rebel and I thought it would make my parents really mad (it did), Then, I got hooked and the more people said to quit the more determined I was to smoke. Now, like most fools like me, I'm finding it hard to even think about quitting. I know I have to because it's not easy on my health but I haven't done it yet.JUST BECAUSE, OKAY?? NOW GET OFF MY BACK!!>(I have no idea who I'm talking to)

I don't smoke and don't plan to start.

You see,
what happens is that fire is a neat thing.. when you light a match and put your finger over it... you start smoking! not right away, but give it a little time.
(Surgeons General Warning ... Smoking fingers can really hurt)

Hey, isn't this survey similar to some I did a while back. Well, not similar enough to provide a link. I'll let this slide this time..

Well if you ever are in need let me know and I'll mail you one.

serial??????

When I was a teenager i started smoking tobacco out of a pipe to keep warm one winter. When summer came it was too hot to smoke and it also required pockets.
So I switched to Cigs. But they just didn't take. I no longer smoke, but every once in a while, Like every other winter, I buy a corncob and smoke tobacco to keep warm.

Wish I didn't now at almost $5.00 a pack at the cheapest stores and almost $5.50 at grocery stores. One frickin pack. used to be 3 packs for a dollar when I was in college.

I make it on about $22 a month buying bulk tobacco and filtered cigarette tubes (@$2.00/200) for my $6 machine. They still take time though. I buy exotics for when I go on a date and don't have any pre-rolled (during tv and page loading). Even the exotics match what you're paying though. Sounds like airport or canadian prices.

Typical California prices what I pay.

What, at bars? What about at discount outlets (where I think name brands hover around $3.85). I live in LA, and haven't been buying name brands for a year or two now. I didn't realise it had gotten that bad.

No, at discount places. Cheapest I can buy one pack is $4.25. $5.09 plus tax at Safeway or Alberson's. I live in Bay area, San Jose.

Somehow, there, I believe it. I recall going to a computer conference of 1000's, in Palo Alto I think, and being one of six people outside smoking in the smoking area. I also recall staying mith my folks in San Jose and the nearest place selling cigs was blocks away.

I'm sure that's part of the equation. Not many people smoke around here. The stores are cutting down on the brands they carry, grocery stores view it a nuisance to handle cigs, many gas stations don't carry them anymore, etc. So, your folks still live in SJ? I'm close to there, work in SJ.

Coast near Half-Moon Bay now. I used to work at United Way in the 4th & Market BofA bldg, then moved to Oakland and got a programming job in Moraga. 17 years of my earliest adulthood were spent in Santa Cruz.

Half Moon Bay is nice. Oakland, eeehhhh, no. Santa Cruz is okay, but prefer farther south. Dream would be to live in Pebble Beach/Carmel area.

Nice landscape (Carmel), but the hikes and culture were more interesting in S.C.. Oak town was cheap when I was desperate for something commutable to Moraga. Definitely would have preferred Berkeley or the City.

It started as 'being cool'. Now, it's all about counting hours between cigarettes. I hope it doens't end in the plastic bag.

Interesting story. Really ironic.

Because I had 'em

Well, I was dancing all crazy...twirling and twirling...and all of a sudden....

i remeber doin it when i was about 15 just to try it then i started more when i was about 18, coz it felt so nic e 2 get that nicotine buzz when i was out havin a drink

I only smoke when I'm on fire or taking a poop