by Jagsman » Sat Jan 02, 2010 11:56 pm
I was a smoker for 40 years,starting when I was 15 with "loosies" (single cigarettes) graduating to 5 Bristol through 10 full strength Capstan before finally settling on Embassy tipped.(I still have some coupons somewhere).I tried to give up several times over the years particularly as it had developed into a 60 a day habit.I had a pretty stressful job working 12 hours a day 6 days a week and was always on the 'phone and it got so I could not answer the 'phone without lighting up. Whenever I did manage to give up for a few days my downfall was always inevitable as soon as I had a drink.My job involved a lot of entertaining or being entertained and I always loved my fag when I had a drink in my hand.I also loved a smoke when I was on the golf course or on holiday.The rest, I think ,were just force of habit and not really enjoyed.
However about 10 years ago I just decided to give up.I bought the dummy fags you can use as a "comfort" and stopped that day.I never opened the dummy cigs and for some reason never had an urge until a couple of years later I was having a drink with some golfers in Carolina.One of the guys offered me a cigarette which I accepted and took a draw.At that moment I wondered how I had ever managed to put such a foul tasting weed in my mouth.I stubbed it out and have never tried one since.Over the last few years I have been diagnosed with a lung disease and whilst I accept it may have been caused by several factors I think it's safe to say my smoking did not help.
Having stopped smoking I realise how much of a strain we put on some friendships who allowed us to smoke (albeit reluctantly) in their homes.My wife and I (she was also a smoker ) can now smell "smokers" when they are in our company and the smell is truly awful.
I tell you all this to let you know "I've been there ".I'm not some "do gooder" unhappy at seeing other people enjoying themselves.I made a point of ensuring I did not sit in pubs or restaurants with smokey atmospheres and the smoking ban in Scotland was a godsend.I thought it would improve in Cyprus but I'm afraid the law is being ignored.The idea you can have smoking or non smoking areas in the same establishment is laughable.Smoke does not read signs.
Smokers come up with all kinds of nonsense to justify their habit.I certainly used to.If you believe that smoking (mans most unatural habit) does you no harm the carry on deluding yoursef but please do not pollute my air.No doubt you would be happy if every drinker poured a little of their drink into your system or every junkie gave you a wee shot of his needle without you asking.
Smoke if you must but keep it yourself
Plenty of people were smoking including yours truly, in cafeterias in Nicosia today… 
