Smokers Do Not Need to Be Lectured

Smokers are fully aware that smoking is a dangerous and potentially lethal habit. Yet diehard (for lack of a better term) non-smokers constantly feel the need to "educate" smokers on why the habit is bad for them. The fact is that smokers know about the dangers of "cancer sticks". A smoker is a smoker because at some point in their life they chose to pick one up and light it; it's that simple. Whether it was peer pressure, wanting to look cool or just mere curiosity, whatever the motive, people who have tried cigarettes and continued with the habit are not devoid of the knowledge that it is a hazardous and, depending on who you ask, unattractive habit. Smokers know that smoking may cause lung cancer, emphysema, and God forbid, even impotence. Smokers know that smoking discolors teeth and creates offensive odors when not handled properly.

So where does a smoker's penchant lie for indulging in a habit that could seriously damage their health? The answer lies in the individual. Some smoker's find it relaxing. Others start out as social smokers and become inclined to light one in between drinks at social gatherings. Whatever the motive, one thing is clear: smokers do not constantly need to be lectured on the hazards of smoking. Anyone old enough to smoke is old enough to be aware of the hazards.

I write this entry having just arrived from a bar and completely aware that I smoked too much. I write this entry being the employee of a staunch non-smoking CEO who constantly feels the need to lecture me on his dissaproval of my habit. I write this entry as a former "social smoker" who became a full time smoker when the chips were down.

To all non-smokers out there who constantly lecture us on the dangers of smoking: we know. We appreciate your concern and have taken it into consideration. We respect your criticism and concern for our well being. We know that you have our best interest at heart, and most importantly, we will quit if we choose to do so. Smoking is a choice, not a disease. We choose to smoke and we may or may not choose to quit. And now I choose to smoke one more before I go to bed...