Welcome

[denise]

My name is Denise.  I asked for this board as I have been an off again on again smoker for many years.  I have quit many times and started back up just as many.  I am trying to find out views, both pro and con on the subject and how others deal with it.

To begin.  I started smoking in my early 20's.  I will also say that I still enjoy it after all these years.  There are many good reasons not to smoke, but only one good reason to smoke, and that is you enjoy it.  I still do.  While it is difficult to quit, (I have many times for more than a year at a time), think about why you go back to it.  I have and it is because I like it.  Remember this add?  This is my brand.

[helen]

I am Denise's sister.  I also smoke and unlike Denise have never tried to quit.  I enjoy it, I smoke the same brand as Denise and see no reason to stop.  It is a personal decision and I don't think anyone should be telling me what I can or can't do in my personal life.  I respect non smokers and don't smoke around them.

[mary]

I started smoking a few years ago much to my mothers dismay.  She didn't want me to start, but she smokes and she always seems to enjoy it, so I tried it.  I didn't like it the first couple times, but I do like it and I continue to smoke.  I consider myself a moderate smoker.

[lisa]

Well, I started again.  I was temporarily laid off and I bought a pack.  At first they tasted funny but I continued and I have been smoking for several weeks.  I went back to work, but I haven't tried to quit yet.  I remember why I liked it, especially during stressful periods.  It wasn't smart to start up again and I will quit again.  I went back to my old brand Virginia Slims lights.

[denise]

I started again a few months ago.  I can quit for a year and still go back to it.  A big part of it is that its a pleasure that I enjoy.  Even when I quit I still consider myself a smoker and I know I will smoke again.

[lisa]

I am starting to feel the same way.  I am a smoker and I have to make a concerted effort to quit and stay away from smoking.  I had quit for quite a few years and will again, but not right now.