To smoke or not to smoke?Smoking issues?Pro?Con?
By raydene
@raydene (9871)
United States
April 8, 2007 11:08am CST
This discussion is a chance for everybody to give their opinions without judgement..so please only take part in this discussion if you can do so in a nice mature manner..Thi discussion is not to offend anyone ...Please give honest opinions..everyone has the right to their opinion even if it's not like mine...Thanks...
I don't smoke..quit many years back...I don't let anyone smoke inside my house but they are welcome to smoke outside. I have alot of smoking friends and most do not smoke inside their own homes anymore.
I called one of my smoking friends this morning to ask her feelings on this discussion..She said that she feels that smoking is her right but it is not her right to endanger others with her smoke.
She and her husband both smoke and as long as I can remember they winter and summer smoke outside..
She said that she doesn't want the stains on her home,furniture,in the food she feeds her kids..etc...
Her smoking is personal to her but she agrees that she would not work in a smoking enviroment ever again..she wants to enjoy a smoke not get it thru her pores..
She and hubby both feel that part of the problem has been the 'in yer face'attitude of some smokers..you know the ones that blow smoke in the direction of non smokers childishly.Do you know that kind of smoker?Are you like that?
.Like anything else..a few bad apples spoil it for the rest.
Then there are kids involved..in a home lots of kids are smoking all day and I think that's wrong...
I do think that parents should be responsible with the health of their kids..If you must smoke in the same room with the kids atleast get an airfilter or a smokeless ashtray
You know the parent that buys food at the health food store because it healthier for their child but lites up in the car with closed windows with the kids in the car....
Smoking is every adults right but do they have the right to effect others?
There are many times that smokers are treated badly when they are smoking responsibly..
Once something is in the news then it mushrooms into a big storm..finally touching the guy that doesn't want to hurt anyone but just wants his cigg in peace...it is his right...it's legal..he's over 18...Leave the guy alone...be and let be..
Some companies are forging into the smokers homes ...Do you know of other ways that companies are telling off the jobsite workers what to do?
I agree that a company should not be telling people what to do when not at work.But then if a company is investing in you,paying for trainings,etc do they have a right to expect you to live long enough for them to get back their investment?
It can go round and round....But the insurance companies have a right to charge more for smokers just as they charge more for people with other health risks?..
We all have our bad habits..me probably too many..Tomorrow will someone come in my house and tell me to eat this and not that..will they tell me to excersize for X amount of time each day...Tell me what to watch....or is the smoking just for health reasons?
Do you smoke?
Do you smoke inside your home or allow others to?
Do you smoke in athe same room as your kids?
11 people like this
19 responses
@emeraldisle (13139)
• United States
8 Apr 07
Very good discussion here. I have known some childish smokers and that is sad that they feel they have to do that. I have also known some very childish non-smokers, the ones who go over into smoking sections and then complain about type.
I do smoke and have for some time. We don't smoke in the house but there are two reasons for this. One to help cut down on how much we smoke but the other is due to the fact one member in the household is on a lot of medication that they constantly change and any time they change it she could end up out of it due to allergies. We felt it was safer to have the smoking in the garage so that way if the medicines do interact on her poorly we don't have to worry.
Now I will state that when I smoke over all I feel better. I have less tension, my blood pressure stays low and the humidity doesn't bother my lungs as much (yes the humidity, pollen and other allergens bother my lungs but not smoking). I know this isn't a popular view on smoking but for me it is true.
When it comes to a company not allowing smoking on their property. For the most part I don't have a problem with that. The business does have the right to make that choice. I do think it should be their choice and not the governments decision. That if a restaurant wants to have smoking they should be allowed to if they so choose. Either way though once I am in my car or in my house for example I should be able to do as I please. I'm an adult and I should be allowed to make my own choices.
Now we do have a child in our household. We smoke out in the garage and many times she'll come out there to talk with us. Are we then bad parents for allowing that? Should we ban her from being with us? I don't think so. I used to smoke in the house with her there. I did not smoke near the bedrooms or anything like that but we either had the a/c going or we have the windows open so there is plenty of air circulation. So there really isn't much of a difference. We do smoke in the car but again we have the a/c going and the windows partially opened. There is very little smoke actually staying in the car.
I also agree with your point that we all have bad habits of some sort. Where will they go next after smoking? Sooner or later they will find something else to blacklist and want to get rid of and then it might be too late to stop them since they have already gotten away with controling our choices. I don't want to live in a world where they decide what we can eat, drink and do with our lives. I want freedom.
3 people like this
@emeraldisle (13139)
• United States
9 Apr 07
You are right there it is a very hot topic right now. I think even more so then the war...or maybe a photo finish between the two :)
I feel for you with the smoke bothering you. I bet you have problems with the BBQ places too since I know many here are open pit and they have a lot of smoke in them. I have problems with scents like with perfumes, air fresheners etc. Those bother my asthma. Each person is different that's for sure.
I agree with protecting kids but as an adult I should be able to make some choices for myself. I mean isn't that part of being an adult after all?
You should check one discussion I have about society and Demolition Man and how I don't want to live in that type where they decide everything for us.
2 people like this
@raydene (9871)
• United States
8 Apr 07
Hi Emeraldisle,It was responding to your discussion on the aclu that prompted me to write this discussion...I realize it's a hot button issue with many wanting to control everybody or judge them...My point in this is to encourage us to respect others rights...without all these laws..
Emerald you are so right about the law always stepping in..I am asthmatic and smoke bothers me a little more each year...not just cigg smoke but campfires etc..so if I know that a restraunt has smoking I can chose another one..It seems so silly to keep passing laws to help save us from ourselves..Seatbelts for adults..helmets for adults...I can understand laws for children cause they deserve every consideration...but adults should be able to make some choises!!
Thanks for your response..it was well written
2 people like this
@linda345 (2661)
• Canada
8 Apr 07
Good discussion. I do not smoke but my husband does. When I started going out with him I did not have a none smoking rule in my house. So our house always reeked of smoke and our sheers in the window turned yellow and I had to bleach them. Once my daughter became pregnant, the rule changed. He started smoking outside and so did any quest in our house. I have a son who smokes. He does not live with me any longer but when he did he smoked outside too. My husband smokes in the car. It makes me so mad. He does not smoke in the car if the baby is in there. We have a new one too. I appreciate my husband going out in the cold to smoke for the health of my family and the baby but I would be even happier if he quit. But the ulitimate decision is his own even though he had a heart attack a year ago. As for insurance, no one will insure him.
3 people like this
@gabs8513 (48686)
• United Kingdom
8 Apr 07
Ray this is actually a very good Discussion
Yes I smoke and yes I smoke in my House
I also have Airfreshners everywhere and a Candle Burning most of the Day scented
I will not smoke in anyones House that does not smoke and that does not smoke in the House
I will not smoke in the samr room as Children unless the Door or Window is open
I will not smoke in front of Babies at all I will go outside and I certainly do not smoke in the Car with Windows shut ever
I do not smoke in the Car with small Children in either.
I would never blow smoke in anyones Face
I am planning on stopping but the time has to be right for me
Love and Hugs
@kathy77 (7486)
• Australia
8 Apr 07
In regards to smoking well I believe that as a smoker, that when we go to other friends home that we should respect them and if they do not smoke or have problems with it that I would go outside and smoke that is fine with me I have done this a few times and respect my family and friends opinion. Yes I have seen some other smokers that have no respect of others and blow smoke in their way this is not right or fair in my opinion either. Also I have grandchildren and I will go outside and smoke as I do not want them to get sick due to my smoking. Yes I do smoke inside my own home, but when my family or friends want to have a smoke we will go outside so there is not that much smoke in the home.
@raydene (9871)
• United States
8 Apr 07
I have great respect for anyone that is considerate of others...I used to smoke but always smoked outside because growing up in a smoking home I got tired of scrubbing the wall to get the stains off all the time...I used to hate that so because of that I never did..Plus I felt I could control my smoking better..I quit when my father asked me to because he had found out he had cancer and I'm glad I never went back...I have save a ton of money...I used to smoke 3 pks a day...
1 person likes this
@maddysmommy (16230)
• United States
9 Apr 07
I am in the same boat at mememama. I use to smoke 4 years ago and quit when i fell pregnant. In fact i couldn't stand the smell or taste of smoke in and around me so I had no trouble quitting. My husband smokes too and has tried to quit but without any success. He is only allowed to smoke outside and not inside, nor around me and my son. After he smokes he usualy goes and brushes his teeth to try and get rid of the smell. Sometimes it works and other times it doesn't.
@weemam (13372)
•
10 Apr 07
my Dad used to smoke and my hubby used to smoke , they both stopped after my hubby had his first heart attack over 22 years ago , I have asthma and it now seems it was through ,secondary smoking , My Dad and hubby didnt realise this then at the time so it really is no ones fault , but since we knew that my DIL stopped too , I can't be in a smoky atmosphere or my asthma flares up , My hubby used to have a shower when he had been out for a pint of Ber as the smoke on his hair used to start me off ,Smoking was banned from all public places in Scotland over a year ago and it makes life much easier for me , I still think though it should be up to the person who's house it is who makes the rules , I do hate it when we are TOLD by the government what to do xxxx
1 person likes this
@wmg2006 (5381)
• United States
9 Apr 07
I was a smoker for 40 years and feel it was my perogative to smoke since I was the one paying for the bad habit. I did not like others telling me when or where I should smoke. Plus I grew up where everyone smoked anywhere they pleased. It was an adjustment for me not to smoke in malls, restuarants, or any public places. I never smoked directly around non-smokers. I was a very responsible smoker and felt it was my decision to do this. I have been a non-smoker for only 1 year and am now trying to adjust to this side of the coin. I do smell smoke when someone is lighting up, but it does not offend me. I do find myself hanging around more and more non-smokers now. It is just easier to be around them. I enjoy not having to find a place to smoke, I enjoy the money I save. I must admit though my health has probably been worse than ever. I have had sinusitus every 3 months since I stopped smoking. I am told this will subside over the years as my sinuses adjust to the lasck of warm air going in them. I did smoke in my house with children present, but never in the part of the house they were in, only in my room with the window open. I think it is everyone's decision on how they conduct themselves and their lives as a smoker or a non-smoker.
@winterose (39887)
• Canada
9 Apr 07
I have never smoked in my life, but everyone I knew around me did. I had my furniture ruined extra because of smokers.
My son smokes in the house and I have chronic bronchitis, but I cannot get him to stop and I have given up trying.
2 people like this
@revdauphinee (5703)
• United States
8 Apr 07
i used to when i was younger then i went to work for a chemical company where it was to dangerous and decided if i could go without for eigth hours i could go without all together so i quit but if anyone comes to visit i dont make a big deal if they smoke in my house since it is very rarely and once in a few weeks isnt that bad if my guests feel welcome!My daughter however is very different ,she has a sign in her home that says if your smoking in here youd better be on fire!
@cherriemae (3370)
• Philippines
9 Apr 07
No, i'm not a smoker. And i hate smoker. But i dont blame those who really want to smoke because that's in their system, they cant stop it right away. But we need to be responsible enough specially when their are kids around. They are the one who will suffer because the health providers said that 70% of the smoke will go to the people around who inhaled the smoke but only 30% of the smoke will go to the smoker alone. It's unfair for the non-smokers, right? So, think of it. That's why i really hate smokers and never in my life that i will try atleast piece of it..NEVER!!!
1 person likes this
@mel_87 (856)
•
9 Apr 07
ok some good points there, i smoke myself, i dont smoke around kids i think its wrong id rather go outside, i do smoke in my house because we all smoke but no kids live in my house, when im around other people who dont smoke i try to keep the smoke away from them as it is not right as i wouldnt like it done to me if i didnt smoke, i think alot of none smokers are sometimes quite nasty about smokers but i agree with the stopping smoking in restaurants or where food is served but not in bars where it is a socail place to be. as for companies i dont believe they can stop people from smoking out of work in work yes but not out of work. good discussion
xx
@phonevolts (919)
• Ireland
9 Apr 07
I don't smoke myself. Never have and never will, please god. My parents both smoke. I think they are very bad for your health and cost a fortune. I dont know what people get out of them but i know they are hard to give up. My boyfriend smoke for about 10 years but gave them up just over 3 years ago and is till off them and he feels 10 times better and healthier since he is off them.
2 people like this
@cutiedhes (507)
• Philippines
9 Apr 07
Ever since I really don't like smoking because its bad for our health but I am not against on people who smoke my only opinion is that it is alright to smoke but be sure you know your limitations and consequences in whatever things you do. And also I think that every abusive things you do is dangerous so if I were you be moderate. Another thing smoking is also bad for the health of those who are not smoking because they can breathe the smoke of the person who smokes so be careful not to go near with the person who are smoking.
With regards to the people around me I don't like them smoking especially when I know from the start that they don't smoke then eventually try to smoke as much as possible I will confront them and advice them to stop because its not nice and not good for their health. But if my advices and sayings does not convince them, then I will let go of their way but I will still tell them not to abuse their health and know their limitations.
In that way maybe both parties will understand the situation.
2 people like this
@Putranda (128)
• Indonesia
9 Apr 07
I don't smoke anymore since four years ago. I don't like smoke because in my mind it can destroy may lungs and shorten my life. Even I hate the people that smoke near me. I know that everyone have right to smoke but they should not disturb another people with their smoke. They must responsible to their action.
1 person likes this
@retardedrugrat (4791)
• Canada
9 Apr 07
I quit smoking 6 month ago (Almost 7 months now). I did it because I knew it was bad for my health. I couldn't handle running around and going up steps just killed me. I'd have to stop halfway up a flight of stairs to get my breath back.
I never smoked indoors though. I always went outdoors, and in fact I enjoyed going outdoors to smoke. It meant that I wasn't endangering anyone else in my home, and I was keeping the home smelling clean and free from stains caused by smoking.
I didn't smoke in front of the kids indoors either. As a smoker, while it was my right to smoke, it was not my right to put their health on the line and I refused to do that. As a result, they are as healthy as they can be and very active. I have smoked in the car with them before though, but I always ALWAYS made sure I had the window down.
Now I don't need to worry about that anymore. I'm smoke free and proud of it. My health has improved dramatically and I feel the difference.
1 person likes this
@grecychunny26 (9483)
• Philippines
17 Apr 07
i think not to smoke, smoking gives you bad breath and can lead you to different illness like lung cancer. some people do smoking as their sign of relief when they are stress, but for me i will never do it, i will just try alternatives.
@haedescanes (592)
• Philippines
9 Apr 07
I used to smoke 10 to 20 sticks a day or sometimes more. I was more influenced by my friends who are smokers. But they never pushed me to smoke. I envy them when i see them smoke and so i joined them . But when it got busy and we never had time together my smoking habit was lessened. Peers paly an important role in quitting and pursuing smoking. I still smoked even though i know all the risks and danger it brings with it, until come a tmie that i met my girlfriend. She smokes 2 packs a day and that was alarming. I told her i would help her stop and i would also quit if she stops smoking. At first it was difficult but months later we eventually and stopped tottally.WE had this motivation that what will happen if one us gets stroke or heart problem, how will we take care of our kids? That's how we got rid of smoking and now we are both happy with it and no regrets. no more bad breaths and no more worries of the dangers of smoking. peace to all.. I respect your decisions.
@funky123 (92)
• India
9 Apr 07
i do not smoke at home. neither allow any one to...but i like ur friend's and her hubby's attitude. They really seem to care for others. Like u said there are ppl who directly puff the smoke on the non-smokers face. Its really frustrating u know. I lik the couple's attitude very much
