You are reading a single comment by @bq and its replies.
Click here to read the full conversation.
London Fixed Gear and Single-Speed is a community of predominantly fixed gear and single-speed cyclists in and around London, UK.
This site is supported almost exclusively by donations. Please consider donating a small amount regularly.
@bq
I quit after 20 years when the ban came in. I decided that if I was not going to be allowed to have a fag where and when I wanted (i.e. in the pub) then I would not enjoy it. That was it, I was a non smoker, full HTFU style. It helped that I did not often smoke at home as unless my girlfriend was away I would go outside and I just couldn't be arsed that often. It also helped that I removed as much stress as I could from my life. I had just settled into a great job and paid off all my debts, so I was able to cope with life's blows without getting overwhelmed and turning to chemical help.
I knew immediately I would not become a smoker again. I have had maybe 20 in the 2 years since, on stag dos, due to the massive amounts of booze I suppose, but never started up again. I doubt I would have even the stag do fags nowadays.
I don't miss it, didn't after two or three weeks really. I started to find the smell of it on others really noticeable and unpleasant, and even the smell of people smoking outside in the open air became irritating to my nose, so I guess I'm not likely to relapse! I did miss cigars, which I had really enjoyed, but I've not had any since cos I guess its best not to smoke anything. Pubs were tricky at first but not for long. Poker nights were really difficult - I used to chain smoke during a game, so I stopped playing poker for about a year. It's OK now though.
Go with it. stick with it. You'll not regret it.
And don't replace it with chocolate like I did. I put on a bloody stone.