[Mike]

Yeah thats true and what annoys me is they act like its a shock, by now the smokers should know that theres a possibility they could be without cigarettes at some point.

[lily.]

Yeah, unless they fill their case with tobacco. If I was a smoker going in that house, I would be quitting before I got there, so I didn't have to go through the ciggie withdrawal.

[Smeggypants]

Originally posted by Stropz
There aren't many smokers in the house this year. Seems like smoking has become more and more socially unacceptable.
....

Maybe it's because less people are choosing to smoke for personal reasons, rather for some social acceptance.

I'm a smoker. I want to give up for health reasons. I certainly don't want to give up because of social acceptance. I'll leave that to the sheep.

[Smeggypants]

The sooner we get a liberal, anti-regulation, anti-censorship, drug-legalising government, the better

WORD!!!

[lily.]

Originally posted by Smeggypants

Maybe it's because less people are choosing to smoke for personal reasons, rather for some social acceptance.

I'm a smoker. I want to give up for health reasons. I certainly don't want to give up because of social acceptance. I'll leave that to the sheep.

I gave up for health/financial reasons, but you have to admit that social acceptance plays a big part in youngsters who start smoking.

[Smeggypants]

Originally posted by Stropz

I gave up for health/financial reasons, but you have to admit that social acceptance plays a big part in youngsters who start smoking.

For sure mate!

Most people ( young or old ) are sheep.

[lily.]

Baaaaaaaa...

I try not to be..but, to an extent, it's true, we all are.

[Smeggypants]

Originally posted by Stropz
Baaaaaaaa...

I try not to be..but, to an extent, it's true, we all are.

Well being "part of the gang " is comforting I suppose. So its understandable.

I think it's very unhealthy when people suppress their own desires or behaviour to be socially acceptable though.

[lily.]

Yeah, i do too. It's not too bad when you are young, and you want to "fit in", but once you get older you have to make you own way in life... despite what others may think of you.

I tend to have that attitude now. I don't care what others think, within reason. And I try to encourage that quality in my kids, so that they dont feel like they have to act a certain way to be accepted. Especially in today's "chav culture". Nobody wants their kids to turn out bad.

[booty-full]

Neither myself nor my partner have smoked. I am quite proud of that!!!!!

[lily.]

So you should be. It's not easy to quit once you start. Believe me.

[lambruscokid]

Originally posted by booty-full
Neither myself nor my partner have smoked. I am quite proud of that!!!!!

See, that's exactly the kind of attitude that keeps me smoking. If people would just admit it's something you do or don't do, and maybe they don't prefer it themselves, I'd be fine with that.

When people act like they're better than me, or want to tell me how "proud" they are of not smoking, it just puts me off.

Sorry, I'm not trying to insult you at all, just pointing out why that kind of statement can bother someone who chooses to have a smoke.

[lily.]

LoL... smoking nazi!...

seriously though... it's a good thing not to start, because a lot of people who do smoke, don't want to. I was in that position for a while before I managed to quit. It was difficult, especially since I actually enjoyed smoking.

[booty-full]

Lol well I have nothing against people that do but I agree with a ban in public places....why should I have to put up with the smoke??? PLUS I wasn't actually saying I am better than you or implying that...simply stating that I am proud in response to a post about peer pressure. I am proud that neither of us have ever succumbed to such pressure to smoke. My father smokes and I am continually telling him to stop for health reasons as his father has been extremely ill due to smoking. This is why a ban is important. People can still choose to smoke in their own space if they wish, I am fine with that. Just not in public really.

[lambruscokid]

Originally posted by booty-full
Lol well I have nothing against people that do but I agree with a ban in public places....why should I have to put up with the smoke??? PLUS I wasn't actually saying I am better than you or implying that...simply stating that I am proud in response to a post about peer pressure. I am proud that neither of us have ever succumbed to such pressure to smoke. My father smokes and I am continually telling him to stop for health reasons as his father has been extremely ill due to smoking. This is why a ban is important. People can still choose to smoke in their own space if they wish, I am fine with that. Just not in public really.

Cool, fair enough - I get your point on the peer pressure, and good on you for that, honestly.

I started smoking when I was eleven, and to be honest it was me that was starting the peer pressure. I guess I was proving I was harder than my other eleven year old friends.

Truth, though, as to smoking in public places - I can see why you wouldn't want to be sat next to smokers everywhere you go.

I just want to have places where I can choose to smoke at a bar or a restaurant. I don't see why the government can't just issue smoking and non-smoking licenses for businesses, and let the customers decide which one they'd rather spend their money at. We could both have somewhere to go, then.

[booty-full]

Yea I suppose. You coudl have majority non-smoking, as the gov should stil encourage non-smoking....but then have the odd smokers bars. It shouldn't be anywhere open air though (sorry!!).

Eleven??? gosh!!! And how old are you now??

[MummyJens01]

I Myself Am A Smoker And I Don't See It Fair For Non-Smokers to expect smokers to go outdoors for a fag!
If Non-smokers dont like it, they should move away, 99% of my friends smoke and the ones that don't Aren't bothered by the rest smoking!
I think that there should be pubs for non-smokers to go to & Also should be pubs for smokers! 50/50 then isn't it, No prejudice against either of the groups of people. Yeah Smokin May Be Bad For You! But people become addicted to it, just like alcoholics do to booze! You can't just pack it up like that!

[lily.]

I was just turned 12 when I started..

[booty-full]

I understand and there is currently alot of support for people to give up. But at the same time your attitude is selfish. I have asthma and why shoudl I have to move if you light up??? I didn't choose to breathe your smoke. I also didn't choose to attack and almost die because of it. Why the hell should I move because you choose to be anti-social!!! It endangers my health. If I drink next to you, I am not endangering your health. However if I decided to pour acid over myself and the area by myself and you I would be selfish to think that you should move!!!

[lambruscokid]

Originally posted by booty-full
Yea I suppose. You coudl have majority non-smoking, as the gov should stil encourage non-smoking....but then have the odd smokers bars. It shouldn't be anywhere open air though (sorry!!).

Eleven??? gosh!!! And how old are you now??

Haha - as long as we're setting public policy together, how about we only allow open air licenses at least 100 meters away from open air non smoking establishments?

Trust me, in New York, there's a sidewalk cafe culture, and there would be riots if you couldn't find a table outside to have a nice beer and a ciggy.

As for how old I am - let's just say I remember when this new band called The Smiths said "I smoke because I'm hoping for an early death..."

[lily.]

Originally posted by lambruscokid

As for how old I am - let's just say I remember when this new band called The Smiths said "I smoke because I'm hoping for an early death..."

Guess you're about my age then!

[booty-full]

oh dear!!! I assumed you were young as most people on the forums are young kids....you can often tell by their arguments lol

[lambruscokid]

Originally posted by booty-full
oh dear!!! I assumed you were young as most people on the forums are young kids....you can often tell by their arguments lol

Oh no - I hope I'm not making arguments like a teenager!

Yeah, Stropz - I'm 35. Still have all my tattoos, though

[MummyJens01]

Originally posted by booty-full
I understand and there is currently alot of support for people to give up. But at the same time your attitude is selfish. I have asthma and why shoudl I have to move if you light up??? I didn't choose to breathe your smoke. I also didn't choose to attack and almost die because of it. Why the hell should I move because you choose to be anti-social!!! It endangers my health. If I drink next to you, I am not endangering your health. However if I decided to pour acid over myself and the area by myself and you I would be selfish to think that you should move!!!

Fair Comment, thats Why I Pointed Out there Should Be Pubs For Smokers & Pubs For Non-Smokers. Then If A Non-Smoker Chooses To Go To A Pub Where They Have A Smoking Policy That's Up To Them!
Me Personally Wouldn't Go To A Non-Smoking Pub & demand To Smoke, I'd Rather Go To An Establishment That Allows Its Customers To Have A Ciggie With A Drink!

[booty-full]

That's fair enough mummyJens!!! You have redeemed yourself!! lol :-D

And Lambrusco "kid" (teehee) ... 35 isn't even old!!! lol. My partner is 30 next year bless him!!! Not far away from your age :-s haha