Why do you smoke?

[groundhog]

So far, I've only ever had 13 cigars - I started about 6 weeks ago, so have been averaging a couple of times a week.
I'm having to take a break at the moment and it's really irritating me. Can't have anything til Thursday.
However, I'm fairly sure I don't smoke because I'm addicted to the nicotine - I've never smoked cigarettes and haven't really been smoking enough to be addicted, I wouldn't have thought.
Yet, somehow, I am.
I miss sitting out on the deck with a stick. I miss the me time, with nothing to ponder but the tastes and smell of the stick.
I've tried sitting out on the deck without a stick and, quite frankly, I'm bored in minutes.
So - I think I smoke to relax - it's something that's just for me.... And I can't wait for Thursday!
How about you?

[PeeJay]

Its all about the relaxation for everyone i think. You're right that cigars in themselves aren't addictive so long as you don't inhale but the whole experience certainly is.

[Deano]

Yep I'm with PeeJay, all about the relaxation - it's not just the nicotine; most cigars, even small ones, take a considerable time to smoke and enjoy. Thus I find myself grabbing a book, listening to some music, trawling the forum, all manner of things that subsequently force me to relax. Definitely my favourite past-time.

[sheppsea]

I just enjoy smoking cigars - I find not only the cigars but also the culture around them fascinating, its a great hobby to have

[PeeJay]

As you've only had 13 cigars so far I'd be interested to know what inspired you to start

[Sean]

I have always been interested in cigars but only took it up a year and a half ago. As what most people said its about relaxing and watching the world go by. But i think being able to go on forums and reading other peoples stories and findings is what makes it even better. I would like to find a unknown stick to smoke and people to think wow i want to try one of them


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[groundhog]

As you've only had 13 cigars so far I'd be interested to know what inspired you to start

I needed a hobby that could engage my mind, help me relax and give me time out when I need it.....
I'm the main carer for my 5 year old daughter, so I can't really drink any more as a stress release, as I never know when I might have to take her to hospital.
My outlet used to be triathlon training/racing, which I did to raise pennies for her - but then I blew my knee out training for an Iron Man - Been rehabbing ever since and going slowly crazy.
I wanted something that would engage and relax me......
Had always toyed with the idea of cigars, but never had a good one - buying from behind the bar whilst drunk is never a good start!
So one day, whilst stuck at home I was talking to an American friend on G+ - he suggested a few to me to get started with and I ordered them from Cgars - and that's where it started...
I just find it all so interesting! And even though I can't smoke at the mo, I'm still thinking about it, deciding what to smoke next from the humi, etc....
Thoroughly looking forward to Thursday!

[PeeJay]

Roll on Thursday then buddy, make it something good thumbs_up.jpeg

[Simon G]

For me it's a break. Time to ponder and mull over things.
Nice to sit back, have a bit of quiet time, and enjoy a nice cigar.

[ValeTudoGuy]

I can go for quite a while without feeling like smoking one at all, for me it's like good alcohol and good food.... Almost like music, it's something to bask in.... A way to highlight my existence, not dictate my life.

[Habana-Habanos]

Definitely agree with others.. Cigars are a pleasure/hobby not an addiction! (I can't remember who's signature that is). Sure they're not very healthy, but neither is chocolate or beer but moderation is key plus the fact you don't inhale seems like it gives a mellow relaxing nicotine buzz which is awesome while you smoke it but doesn't leave you itching for another 'hit' 1 hour later as cigarettes do. I'm glad I quit that dirty habit, plus they are actually fun to collect and just like fine wine they DO all taste different! Means you never get bored, I find the same sticks can evolve after sitting in the humi for only 2 months.


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[Andy 84]

I don't agree that not inhaling is non-addictive and if you think about the odd time that a cigar has made you feel bad that shows just how much nicotine you are actually absorbing from a cigar. It's quite a lot over a short time. You'll also be passively inhaling some smoke anyway.

If you're worried about addiction, you should become nicotine free after about 3 days of not smoking so you can use that time frame as an indication of whether you are smoking because you are addicted. It takes about 21 days for your brain to return to a non-smoking state but I don't know whether that has a significant impact on your desire to smoke during that time.

As you can probably tell I've wondered about this myself. I started initially because I wanted to try a world famous Cuban cigar. The first two for me were not good, I wasn't tasting the flavours that were supposed to be there and the nicotine was kicking my arse. Looking back I wasn't smoking them right. The other three in the pack became a challenge, the third was better and the last two were incredibly good. I think there is some skill to managing a cigar; keeping it lit, evenly burning, not too hot or cold, not smoking it too fast, a nice slow draw. I get satisfaction from that and then of course there are the flavours! I think even the best cigar will be awful if smoked with shitty technique!

I'd say for me it's probably more about habit. I enjoy going through the motions and it pairs nicely with other things I like; whisky, chocolate, and peace and quiet!

There's also the exploration aspect in my quest to find the perfect stick!

[Simon-JG-hr]

There are a number of different reasons why I smoke. First and foremost, however, and in common with most others on here, it's the relaxation element. You can sit down with a cigar and just totally unwind - observe the world around you and feel the stresses fade away. Further to that though, I also love the social element, whether that be through organised herfs, or just having a good chat with total strangers in JJF or Sautters. Then there is the culture and rituals that go with the whole thing. I'm also a sucker for anything that I can enjoy and discuss the flavours of - hence I review/blog, as I enjoy sitting down and analysing a cigar on occasion (as I do with wine and many other things...)

Mostly though, I just enjoy it. If I didn't I'd stop.

[oskihen]

I'm 47 been smoking on and off for over 30 years , and a bit like my taste in alcohol over the years I now prefer quality over quantity , in the end I smoke cigars because I bloody love it , fed up with being treated like a social pariah because I smoke political correctness gets on my tits, I eat healthily,exercise regularly don't drink too much aren't overweight but if some lard arse pizza stuffing slob sees you with a big fat ring gauge they say it's bad for you . I do inhale about 5 percent depending on the strength of the stick but. As others have said it's my bag and I like it cigar smoker and proud through and through

[PeeJay]

Go Oskihen! thumbs_up.jpeg