Why does MN hate smokers so much?

[PalmTreesPurple]

Not all of MN of course but I’ve seen a lot of negativity about it. I understand not liking smoking yourself because of the health issues, I’m a smoker after giving up for nearly a year and I was stupid to start again but it’s a nasty addiction to kick. I only smoke outside, in designated smoking areas, and never around people who are eating/close to other people. I also don’t smoke in places like parks or walking through town. It is either in my garden or in a designated spot. Would a smoker like that bother you, or is it people who don’t have any courtesy, or do you just not like smokers in general?

Not being aggressive at all, just very interested.

Would also like to know if anyone on here smokes themselves?

I detest it because l grew up in a house where both parents smoked - l think parents should give up as it is a terrible example to set your children (although it could go the other way and put them off) - and no good for their health either. l had to care for my dad for 11 years before he died of smoking related bad health. Never mind the money it costs that could be spent on the family or even nicer things for yourself and don't get me started on the smell of it. Yuk. Hate it.

[quote Pieceofpurplesky]@uniglowooljumper the difference being that I don't harm anyone - both cost money in terms of treatment however a smoker can cause others to cost money as well through secondary illness.

I am fully aware of my issues (long long story including rape and abuse leading to the cause) and do everything I can to stay fit. [/quote]
Thing is, the pitchfork wavers, it's not much different at all. If smoking were banned, the fat would be the next target, they already are.

I'm not saying I agree. I personally have no problem with smokers or obese people, I used to smoke myself. And I feel that all substances should be legalised and taxed and regulated the same way alcohol and tobacco are.

I'm OK with vaping but I hate being around cigarette smokers because it makes me cough and it stinks. When I went clubbing as a teenager, smoking hadn't been banned and I used to come home from my local indie dive stinking of smoke. It really got into my clothes. It was the same when I stayed with my paternal gran, who was a really heavy smoker. Her house just stank of it and the walls were yellow. She also ended up on oxygen - she quit after getting a very bad dose of flu, but the damage was done. My auntie on my dad's side used to smoke too, but luckily she stopped. My dad's family are Scottish and back in the day, everyone smoked up there. He used to himself, as did my mum (she smoked rollies) but they quit when she got pregnant with me.

And I'd also add that as a brass player, I can't smoke because I want to look after my lungs.

The smell.
My MIL once told me that cigarettes had no smell whatsoever, that’s how much she had become used to the smell.
I remember we used to plan what clothes we used to take to PIL as everything needed washing when you came home, you wouldn’t over pack. Everything stank. In fact we have items of theirs 10 years after they died that still stink.

Because people love to criticise others.

When I was stopping smoking i had to make it into a disgusting and repulsive habit to put myself off.

Other people smoking doesn’t really bother me tbh. I’m just glad I don’t do it anymore.

What you do in your own garden and house is up to you but smokers do smell so I would not want to sit next to you in a restaurant or on public transport and it really annoys me to have to walk through smokers who hang around pub doorways. I get that it is an addiction but I think it is a waste of money and shows a lack of respect for your health. It also annoys me that smokers (and heavy drinkers and drug users) are such a drain on the health service. I hope you manage to quit OP.

I smoked 20 a day for about 20 years and gave up cold turkey the day I found out I was pregnant. Never had one since. That was 9 years ago. You don't realise how much it smells, especially your hair and clothing. Saying that I do like the smell of smoke if I get a whiff now and again. Strange I know.
I couldn't afford to smoke now. All I can suggest is keep trying to stop, it's such a benefit to your health. I replaced my habit with a smart phone, keeps the fingers busy!
Now how do I break that habit?

Basically it's on a par with BO smell wise. Some people take as many precautions as possible and it's mostly ok. Some people honk.

I wonder how many people saying smokers are terrible and selfish are overweight/obese.

Obesity costs the NHS far more than smoking related illnesses, also obesity is linked to much higher rates of chronic illness than smokers or drinkers.

@Cornishclio

What you do in your own garden and house is up to you but smokers do smell so I would not want to sit next to you in a restaurant or on public transport and it really annoys me to have to walk through smokers who hang around pub doorways. I get that it is an addiction but I think it is a waste of money and shows a lack of respect for your health. It also annoys me that smokers (and heavy drinkers and drug users) are such a drain on the health service. I hope you manage to quit OP.

Agree with everything you say except the drain on NHS. Cigarette tax pays several times over smoker NHS expenditure. If everyone stopped tomorrow the NHS would be screwed.

Sorry I've not read the whole thread.
My dad died of lung cancer. That was a whole awful time watching his bones then disintegrate and his lungs pack up. Then FIL 18 months later. Both died within 5 months of being diagnosed.

I know former smokers are the worst, but this is what I get from seeing smokers now....

It absolutely STINKS! Like really, really offensively stinks.
The smell permeates everything you do. Your house stinks, your car stinks, your breath REALLY stinks, everything!
You can't smell it.
It makes you look like a dimwit as literally every other person on the planet have realised it's a REALLY stupid idea, even teenagers.
Errrr, you stink?!

@DolphinandDuck

"Even if they've given up? Good grief. Are you always so intolerant of other people's mistakes and capacity to change?"

With smoking yes, my views of them decreases to less than zero. If someones says they used to smoke, whenever I see them I picture a fag in their hand and I just think "you disgusting person". Even as I write this, I'm pulling a face like I've just driven past a field of muck.

Do you seriously change your entire view of people if you've already formed relationships with them and only discover this later on?

I can't stand smoking but couldn't care less if someone does. I do however care if they smoke within my vicinity or my DCs. I hate the smell and will not entertain smokers in my house because the smell lingers. I struggle being friends with smokers because the smell means I can't be around you as I get sick, no matter how lovely you are; I simply cannot stomach the smell. I find it antisocial. But as long as they keep their distance and I keep mine then great. I don't hate smokers, I just don't want their smoke in my face or to smell it.

Because of everything everyouelse has previously said. Also.

Because I do believe that if tobacco were discovered in modern times, rather than centuries ago, it would be classified as an illegal addictive drug.

Also, tobacco is not a beneficial crop, for anyone. It is typically farmed by poor people in countries with unstable governments. Farmers who have abandoned the crop find they are better off. If the land were turned over for the production of vegetables, animal farming, or returned to forests, who knows how many people could be fed that are currently not adequately fed, & how much better the air quality could be in those parts of the world.

@SisyphusAndTheRockOfUntidiness

Because of everything everyouelse has previously said. Also.

Because I do believe that if tobacco were discovered in modern times, rather than centuries ago, it would be classified as an illegal addictive drug.

Also, tobacco is not a beneficial crop, for anyone. It is typically farmed by poor people in countries with unstable governments. Farmers who have abandoned the crop find they are better off. If the land were turned over for the production of vegetables, animal farming, or returned to forests, who knows how many people could be fed that are currently not adequately fed, & how much better the air quality could be in those parts of the world.

Do you eat meat? Because if you do that should be your land concern! Methane from cows (meat productions is the second contributor to c02, after cars.) you eat meat, you’re contributing to waaaaay more shit than smokers.

No, I don't eat meat. Despite multiple food intolerances.
We don't own a car. Despite being disabled.
Haven't been on a foreign holiday in over a decade.
1 child.
No pets.

You?

@PalmTreesPurple sorry but I haven't read all of the comments. I smoke, probably 25 roll ups a day. Never in my house, never near my children. It's a waste of money and Will probably end in my early death. Yes. I want to quit, I have a quit date set 🤔

@SisyphusAndTheRockOfUntidiness

No, I don't eat meat. Despite multiple food intolerances. We don't own a car. Despite being disabled. Haven't been on a foreign holiday in over a decade. 1 child. No pets.

You?

I don’t eat meat, no. I haven’t for 27years. 2kids, 1 dog.

Let’s turn than land the Veges! You have control or influence of that?

[quote Pieceofpurplesky]@DolphinandDuck same with school books - marking ones that reek makes me sad for the kids that have to breathe it [/quote]
Yes, this. I could always pick out one child's book bag from a box of identical without looking at the name because it was always the one which reeked of smoke.

Smokers not only paid for their own NHS care but their tax paid for other patients (non smokers) too
This is one of the most ridiculous things I have read on this thread.
Nearly a third of all cancer deaths in the US are attributed to some form of smoking, active or passive. How is such a huge proportion of NHS money coming from tobacco industries?
And contrary to you, i have seen a lot of people beginning to value their lives and family far more than pre-COVID days. ‘We have seen the fragility of life. So we may as well destroy it’. That is very selfish at one level actually: if you have a healthy body, have the previlidhe to live in a first world country, then do not try and smoke this treasure away FFS. Go and do some actual work in parts of the world where people will give an arm to be in your position to moan on a full belly. A healthy body is not your property or right even. It’s a privilege. This is what smokers don’t understand.

@Totickleamockingbird

Smokers not only paid for their own NHS care but their tax paid for other patients (non smokers) too This is one of the most ridiculous things I have read on this thread. Nearly a third of all cancer deaths in the US are attributed to some form of smoking, active or passive. How is such a huge proportion of NHS money coming from tobacco industries? And contrary to you, i have seen a lot of people beginning to value their lives and family far more than pre-COVID days. ‘We have seen the fragility of life. So we may as well destroy it’. That is very selfish at one level actually: if you have a healthy body, have the previlidhe to live in a first world country, then do not try and smoke this treasure away FFS. Go and do some actual work in parts of the world where people will give an arm to be in your position to moan on a full belly. A healthy body is not your property or right even. It’s a privilege. This is what smokers don’t understand.

Why are you quoting US stats? Are you in the US?

Smokers contribute around £12 Billion to HMRC each year. Smokers cost the NHS around £30 million each year.

Smokers support the NHS and economy - not ideal of course.

Because some people on MN are "perfect" and they dislike anyone who doesn't fit into the same mould as them! Just read any of the threads on weight.

I've never smoked but if others want to then that's fine by me.