Secondhand smoke issues

Peter Thomas23 said:I never even brought up communism or anything of that sort...
regarding this idea you have that people used to die at such a young age in the past... where on earth are you getting that from? If you look at the numbers today, we have thousands upon thousands of veterans struggling with suicide alone. Even the threshold for heart attacks has shifted down by about a decade, meaning we see them hitting people in their early thirties now. And don't even get me started on depression and all those other mental health struggles. The homicide rates have skyrocketed, too, and as far as I can tell, if someone gets killed in their thirties, they were still considered quite young, Les. Besides, when you bring up old laws, back then a person might face a sentence for murder that would last twelve years, whereas nowadays, if someone behaves well, they're out in two months—unless you'd like to argue otherwise.
I honestly don't see any connection whatsoever between what you said here, let me quote you:"Nowadays, bankruptcy is the worst thing that can happen to you, whereas in the old days, if you fell out of favor with those in power, they could just coldly have you killed." — how does that relate to any of the other issues we've been discussing???
And as for this final point you made:"Admittedly, people socialize less, but if that's the price we have to pay, then so be it....I truly find it hard to believe you think that way....but fine....you've essentially just confirmed my point that everything is going to hell.

If I may offer a bit of advice, perhaps you should focus on getting your own affairs in order and spend a little less time reading the crime section of the newspaper; once you do that, maybe then you can try to judge which era was actually better. You might eventually reach the conclusion that things are significantly better for us today.

Look, you smokers—and especially those defending them—please just realize how incredibly SELFISH this all is. That’s really the heart of it. I can choose to be addicted to alcohol, chocolate, or anything else... but I don't have the RIGHT to force my vices on everyone else. And that’s exactly what smokers do. There's zero consideration for anyone else. It isn't about some silly preference, like if I didn't like someone's perfume or something trivial; smoking is actually HARMFUL. If someone decides to poison themselves, fine, that's their business, but they shouldn't do it to me against my will.
I used to work at a company where people smoked indoors, and it was a total nightmare every single day; so, I definitely get why people complain about smokers.

Lisa Kern38 said:Let’s take this step by step... back before the war, specifically pre-1991...

<snip monologue that 96.33% of forum users won't even bother reading in its entirety>

Amidst this sea of constant complaining... look at where you are now with your little "cigarette smoke bothers me" attitude.

If I wanted to list every single frustration that could potentially crush me—even on a purely hypothetical level across all social spectrums—I’d just start a thread titled "The Professional Whiner's Guide to Weltschmerz." 🙄
Ergo, maybe I feel for veterans/people suffering from AIDS/hunger/death/eating disorders/etc., but we can discuss that some other time, in better times and in a more appropriate setting.😛

Jerry Phillips2, it’s commendable that you inherited that anti-smoking streak from your mother. 👍 I know plenty of people whose parents didn't smoke, yet their kids ended up failing out by age 13. Whether it's a rebellion or a "down with oppression" stance directed at the elderly, I don't know. 😕 My parents were heavy smokers; my mother hasn't touched one in almost 15 years now, and I am incredibly proud of her (doctor: "Mrs. Smith, if you don't quit those cigarettes, your blood pressure, heart, and cholesterol are going to skyrocket, and you'll go right along with them.") and my uncle only smokes when his nerves act up, and even then, he keeps it outside. He actually admitted that during the periods when he doesn't smoke, if some idiot smokes next to him, THE CIGARETTE SMOKE REEKS.

@ inertia - sometimes people like that irritate me far more than actual smokers do, and we’ve all dealt with them. GOD FORBID you tell them it bothers you; they'd rather choke on the stench. Is that attitude a result of feeling like they don't have the authority to ask anyone for anything—oh, rather...? I don't buy it. Why should I be expected to maintain "good neighborly relations" by not mentioning someone blowing smoke in my face, when that very person refuses to maintain that same relationship through basic compromise? I was lucky enough to have roommates who were actually decent about this.

@ cigarettes & masculinity - back in the eighties, you'd still see those magazine ads where models (of both genders) would pose with a cigarette to sell them—how exactly was that supposed to be sexy? It's primitive and disgusting. Personally, I have never kissed a smoker. I was lucky enough to find someone who feels exactly the same way—nothing is sexier than a clean, natural scent 😁... on a clean and natural person.😍 😍 😍 😍 😍

Look, I used to be a smoker myself, so I can see where both sides are coming from—really, I can—but I honestly think everyone is being a bit dramatic about all this whining...😂 ...I mean, if you're truly that bothered, why don't you just pack up and move to some remote corner of the wilderness? Find a spot hundreds of miles away from the nearest factory or any passing cars so you can finally breathe deep without a second thought. Honestly, smoking used to be everywhere, wasn't it? Now, it's practically non-existent outside of bars and stuff. At my office, for instance, there isn't a single spot where you can light up, yet people weren't dying of cancer at nearly the same rate as they are now. I mean, look at the forecasts—they’re just wonderful, aren't they? They claim every fourth American will deal with cancer, even though we're all out here trying every possible way to live healthier lives—we're even trying to drive smokers off the face of the planet! Seriously, find some more pressing problems in life... people in Africa are dying of hunger, not because they're lighting up a cigarette...😲

Melissa Castillo said:Jerry Phillips2, it’s truly commendable that you inherited that non-smoker streak from your mother 👍 I know quite a few people whose parents never touched a cigarette, yet somehow their kids still ended up picking up the habit by age thirteen. Whether it's a rebellion or just a "down with authority" phase aimed at the older generation, who knows? 😕 My own folks were heavy smokers, though my mom has been smoke-free for nearly fifteen years now, and I am incredibly proud of her (doctor: "Mrs. Smith, if you don't quit those cigarettes, your blood pressure, heart rate, and cholesterol are going to skyrocket along with your health" ) and my uncle only lights up when his lungs feel heavy, and even then, he does it outside. He actually admitted that during those stretches when he stays clean—especially when some idiot is smoking right next to him—the SMOKE JUST SMELLS TERRIBLE.

That’s exactly how it should be; breaking free from an addiction is perhaps one of life's hardest battles. Kudos to your mother.
There are so many people out there who fail to realize that our primary purpose in this life, alongside helping others, is the constant pursuit of self-improvement. By eating better, shedding bad habits, and staying active, we refine ourselves. And in doing so, we make the world around us a slightly brighter place.

Now, for an old verse for a lover of the 😍 Devil:

"I can see what you see not, vision milky then eyes rot
When you turn they will be gone, whispering their hidden song
Then you see what cannot be, shadows move where light should be
Out of darkness, out of mind, cast down into the halls of the blind"

And one Optic amulet
😁

Nancy Gomez4 said:Look, you smokers—and even those of you out there defending them—it’s time to face facts: you are being incredibly selfish. That is the core issue here. I can choose to be addicted to alcohol, sugar, or whatever else, but that doesn't give me the right to force my vices on everyone else. And that is exactly what smokers do. There isn't a shred of consideration for the people around them. This isn't some petty grievance about someone wearing too much cologne or something trivial like that; this is about the fact that smoking is objectively harmful. If someone has decided they want to poison themselves, fine, that’s their business—but they don't get to do it against my will.
I used to work at a company where smoking was allowed indoors, and honestly, every single day felt like a total nightmare. Because of that experience, I completely get why people lose their minds over smokers.

Hmm... selfish? Yeah, I guess you could call it that.
I don't even light up at home unless there's a party going on. If things get a little intense, I just step out onto the balcony to clear my head. Most bars around here have a designated smoking section and a non-smoking area, but honestly, what am I supposed to do when everyone crowds into the smoking lounge? It’s always where all the action is happening. 😁 Whenever I’m grabbing a slice with someone who doesn't smoke, I always make it a point to ask if they mind before I light up. If they say it’s an issue, I just won't smoke. But if someone gives me the green light and then spends the next hour complaining about how much they smell like smoke, honestly? Go wash up. It’s pure selfishness at that point. Look, I get that some people are intolerant, but don't go painting us all with the same brush. 🙂

Nancy Gomez4 said:Look, you smokers—or anyone defending them—just need to realize how incredibly SELFISH this actually is. That’s the whole issue! I can choose to be addicted to booze, chocolate, drugs... whatever... but I don't have the RIGHT to force my vices on everyone else. And that’s exactly what smokers do. There's zero consideration for others here. It's not just about some picky little thing like someone wearing perfume I don't like; smoking is objectively HARMFUL. If someone decides they want to poison themselves, fine, that's their business—but they shouldn't be able to do it against my will.
I used to work at an office where people smoked constantly, and it was a total nightmare every single day; so yeah, I definitely get why people complain about smokers.

As long as smoking is legal... I mean, honestly? It doesn't occur to anyone to light up where it's strictly banned. But if someone is hanging out in a spot where it *is* allowed? MAN, just go outside.

gotterdamerung said:😲 😲 😲
God, how am I supposed to actually graduate when I'm being hit with provocations like this?!
It feels like constant temptations and past regrets follow me wherever I go... and besides, everyone already thinks I'm quite 🧐 ... oh boy, oh boy, you'll do much better in life 🙂
Thank goodness for Linux and the fact that I still haven't figured out how to mess around with Wine—maybe this is a sign that I should finally give it a shot?

You really just reminded me that I need to dust off that old game again sometime soon. I honestly loved all three characters; they each had their own unique charm. 😲
Don't sweat it, you'll graduate when you're truly ready. It won't be any sooner, and it certainly won't be any later. 😉

Don't wear yourself out trying to master Linux. Even us professionals don't really use it unless we absolutely have to. It takes up far too much precious time just to learn the ropes, leaving you with zero energy to focus on what you actually need to write, build, or program.
Then there's the endless headache of compatibility issues, recompiling kernels, and hunting down drivers. Honestly, it's just a shitty business.

gotterdamerung said:😲 😲 😲

Man, how am I supposed to graduate with all these provocations thrown at me?!?!?
Constant temptations and former addictions follow me everywhere... and honestly, everyone already thinks I'm 🧐 ... oops, oops, you'll probably have a better run at life 🙂
Thank God for Linux and the fact that I still don't know my way around Wine—maybe this is a sign I should finally give it a shot?

BTW, black crow—you’re a rare breed for actually having sympathy for a non-smoker. Also, you don't sound like someone who smokes a whole pack a day—you aren't some cranky guy who loses his cool after five minutes without a fix. Tell me, if you don't mind me being too nosy—why did you start smoking, and how long has this been going on?

So, I've been smoking for 3 years now... well, I smoked a little before, but mostly just to fit in—like during spring break in high school, everyone was doing it, so why not me? It was always just one cigarette a day back then... those were the days. 😁 Now... sometimes it's a pack a day, and other times I won't even think about it for 3 or 4 days. If I were stuck at home all the time, I wouldn't smoke at all because nobody else does, and I'd feel stupid making everything smell like smoke just because of me. But when I go out for coffee or head out somewhere, I end up lighting up. It's such a damn habit... I know it's silly and I know I could just quit right now, but I just don't have the willpower. And I know how it is for non-smokers when the smoke really gets in their eyes, so I truly try to be tolerant... I just wanted to point out that we smokers aren't all the same. My boyfriend is a total addict (oops)—he lights up whenever he feels like it, and even I get annoyed by how much he smokes (not because of him, but because of me! 😁 )... anyway, good luck to everyone fighting the urge!!! 👍 👍

Anonymous said:I’ve been smoking for about three years now... well, I used to smoke a tiny bit before that, mostly just to fit in—remember those big high school breaks where everyone would head out to smoke? I figured, why not join them? Back then, it was just one cigarette a day... oh, those were the days. 😁 Now, it fluctuates; some days I’ll go through a whole pack, and other times I won’t even think about it for three or four days straight. If I were stuck at home all the time, I probably wouldn't smoke at all, because since nobody else in my house smokes, I feel silly having everything smell like tobacco just because of me. But when I go out for coffee or meet up with friends, I find myself lighting up—just a stubborn old habit, really. I know it sounds silly, and I know I could technically quit right this second if I wanted to, but I suppose my willpower just isn't quite there yet. And I truly do understand how non-smokers feel when they get caught in a cloud of smoke; I really try my best to be considerate. I just wanted to point out that we smokers aren't all built the same way... my boyfriend is a total chain smoker, he lights up whenever the mood strikes, and even though I don't mind him doing it personally, I hate that it affects me! 😁.. anyway, good luck to all of you out there fighting the good fight against us smokers!!! 👍 👍

I wanted to ask you something, since you mentioned your boyfriend is a smoker...
Why is it that women, especially younger ones, seem to be so drawn to these smokers, regardless of how much they smell like cigarettes, compared to us non-smokers who might be more refined? I am genuinely curious about the answer, because I've encountered at least two lovely ladies who were absolutely obsessed with smokers, yet despite being a decent-looking guy myself, I just couldn't seem to spark their interest. 😍

I can't stand secondhand smoke either—honestly, I find most smokers to be quite inconsiderate and selfish, even bordering on aggressive (it’s actually quite rare to encounter someone who simply asks, "May I?"). It isn't just about the smell, the coughing, or my eyes watering; it triggers hives for me, and occasionally even dandruff—if one could somehow slice through smoke with a knife! A significant amount of my wardrobe requires hand-washing (ah... those college dorm days...), which adds an extra layer of stress to my life. Once I finally step out of a smoking area, I make a point to "reward" myself with extra servings of vegetables, fruit, herbal teas... basically anything that restores my equilibrium... though, truth be told, the psychological toll of being stuck in all that smoke is likely just as taxing as the physical damage.

If we are all in agreement, let's pick a spot that isn't overly smoky—though I don't frequent coffee shops too often myself. Thankfully, none of my close friends smoke.

As for the men, kissing a smoker is quite possibly the most revolting thing that can happen to my mouth. I would much rather, if you'll forgive the expression, kiss something unpleasant. Furthermore, it truly turns my stomach when someone sits next to me whose jacket reeks of cigarettes; it's enough to make my acid reflux double instantly. The mere fact that someone smokes can cause people who are truly wonderful to stay away from me.

I have never once picked up a cigarette.

Jerry Phillips2 said:...even if I am quite easy on the eyes...

🤣 🤣 🤣 are you absolutely certain that the issue lies with whether one smokes or not?

coppergardener said:🤣 🤣 🤣 are you quite certain the issue lies with whether one smokes or not?

😂
No, not really, though I must admit I was curious to see how people would react. Let us just say that I am not a particularly simple individual. 😁

Jerry Phillips2 said:I’ve got a question for you, since you mentioned your boyfriend smokes...
Why is it that girls—especially younger women—seem way more into smokers, despite the constant smell of cigarettes, than they are into us non-smokers who are, say, a bit more refined? I'm genuinely curious, because I've run into at least two really great women who were totally obsessed with guys who smoke, while I, even though I'm a good-looking guy, just didn't do it for them. 😍

Trust me, I would much rather have a boyfriend who doesn't smoke so I could quit too 😁 but what can I do when he's the one I fell for? 😍 The smoking wasn't even the dealbreaker, believe me.. 😉

Anonymous said:Trust me, I would love nothing more than to stop if my boyfriend didn't smoke, and then maybe I’d finally quit myself 😁 but there isn't much I can do when he's just the guy I happened to fall for 😍 it wasn't even the cigarettes that were the dealbreaker, believe me... 😉

Yeah, I hear you. It really is such a struggle to find a decent girl who doesn't smoke...

Jerry Phillips2 said:Yeah, I get it. It’s just so hard to find a decent girl these days who doesn't smoke...

Man, just find one who does smoke and then train her out of it. 👍

Melissa Castillo said:I’m looking for advice—even if it’s a long shot—on how to detox after an incident like this. Food? Drinks? Maybe some herbal steam inhalation... I'll take anything. I realize how naive this sounds; smoke and toxic compounds cause direct damage to lung tissue, which is a serious issue, but is there any way to mitigate the fallout from this exposure?

The body cleanses and repairs itself—you don't need all those teas and other nonsense.

Give a person just one year after they quit smoking—someone who’s been at it for decades—and you'll see them return to a relatively normal state of health. It’s a testament to how effectively the body can purge itself of toxins.
The reality is that most smokers manage to pull this off for years without facing serious illness—especially if they aren't heavy smokers, even though their intake is still vastly higher than what a secondhand smoker breathes in.

Anonymous said:just find someone who smokes and then try to reform her habits👍

No, I have absolutely no interest in playing parent to another adult. My hope is to find a partner where we can grow side-by-side, but she should already be a fully formed individual.
To be perfectly honest, I struggle to see anyone who neglects their own health as a true equal in a relationship.
That’s why finding a meaningful connection feels like such an uphill battle lately; it seems like society has been steering everyone down such a destructive path for quite some time now. When I look out at the younger generation—all these guys and girls looking completely lost, caught up in drugs or alcohol, their bodies clearly showing the toll of endless, reckless nights, often just wandering around in dark clothes looking utterly hopeless—it truly breaks my heart.

By the way, I get the feeling a huge part of this is just you being overly anxious about the health risks of smoke. You act like you’re heading into a full-blown panic attack if someone even lights up nearby. Given how much data you've dumped on us regarding the toxicity levels, it feels a bit calculated—not entirely accidental.
Look, I'm not saying it doesn't bother you—you've already mentioned your eyes watering and all that—but honestly, you might find some peace if you stopped obsessing over every little thing. 😁