Most (if not all) people who smoke are well aware of the hazards posed to them by smoking. Why, then, do they continue to do so? Is it just a lack of concern for their own health and well-being? I think it's more of a "you only live once, might as well enjoy it" attitude. In many ways I can empathize and even agree with this outlook. So long as you are not causing any discomfort to someone else.

What I therefore do not agree with is smoking in public areas. Smoke all you want, but do not blow your smoke into someone else's face. Thousands of fathers smoke in the vicinity of their children. While they may not really care about the fate of their own lungs, I think it's extremely selfish on their part to cause their young kids to inhale the smoke that they exhale.

My Dad smoked. In fact he still does. I don't mind it because he ensures that he doesn't smoke where any of us are around. So if he wants to light up, he'll go out into the balcony and do so.

For my own part, I have smoked only about 3-4 cigarettes in my life (enough to say I've smoked, but not enough to get hooked)! And one cigar (which I thought was so much better)! I don't plan to start smoking any time in the near future. While it is possible to be a social drinker, it's extremely difficult to be a social smoker. Thus someone who starts smoking has the tendency to smoke throughout the day, everyday. And I believe for this reason at least smoking is more dangerous a vice than drinking.

I have quite a few friends who smoke. It's always interesting to hear the reasons (excuses, if you may) for them not quitting.

"So I'll live five years less; but I'll enjoy it more!"

"I have enough faith in the progress of science and medicine to believe that by the time I am 50 there'll be a cure for lung cancer!"

"Those who don't smoke die of heart attack in any case"

All I have to say is they're your lungs buddies!


To end with a joke as usual - "Quitting smoking is so easy; I myself have quit a hundred times already!"