I didn't start smoking until I was 30, living in Europe. I always thought smoking was bad, but I didn't discriminate against smokers. I guess I'm one of those old fashioned idiots they call Americans who believe in personal freedoms.

But the French and Italians smoke like chimneys, and one night I was stressed beyond belief and lit one up. I realized I LIKED it. And so for 3 years, I've smoked occassionally, meaning, whenever the hell I want. I may smoke a whole pack one day, and may not pick one up for two weeks. Or, I may go through a phase where I'll smoke a pack within a week. Whatever. I'm not smoking a pack or more a day, but if I did, I'd offer no apologies.

I figure if you don't like people who excercise their rights to engage in the pleasure of their choice, so be it. Good for you. But stop with the judgemental "why do people still smoke" nonsense. I could be wrong, but I'd wager everyone on here got their information on smoking from a commercial, Dateline, or a news story. And of course EVERYTHING you read is true.

Bottom line is it's scientifically proven that cigarette smoke can be harmful to you. Just like alcohol, California air, and just about every morsel of processed food that you holier than thou individuals eat. But we've all been programmed to ignore the fact that througout history, people have used tobacco products in moderation and never developed cancer. Hell, in Europe EVERYONE smokes and lives longer lives than Americans.

If I date a non smoker, I won't smoke around her, and even when I go out with friends, if they have a problem with it, I'll do it in my own orbit out of consideration. Beyond that, if you don't want to kiss me after I've used the bottle of listerine that I keep in my car at all times, more power to you. I've never had a problem finding or keeping a girl. You actually think on a planet of 6 billion people you're special enough to change one persons opinion, especially when it comes to something they like? I'd call for a reality check.

Not enough room here for my life story.

Yeah and I am almost every one of those and yet it seriously seems to not matter...Its almost as if women expect to be mistreated...There was a time when I was that atypical BAD BOY and I got more respect then than I do now...Go Figure....