I first started smoking at 14, all because a girl I was into smoked too and she was my age. I only smoked around her, and later with other girlfriend I had at 15. It wasn't until I was 16 that I became a full time smoker. I smoked Marlboro reds in the box because a older guy I worked with roofing houses smoked and I thought he was cool.

Went on to ruin my clothes and body for 20 years before I wised up and quit.

[–] comador@lemmy.world 8 points 2 days ago* (last edited 2 days ago) (1 children)

Similar story: Older girl I liked when I was 13 smoked so I smoked. Guy I worked with smoked so I kept smoking for the next 35 years. I coughed up blood 18 months ago and stopped cold turkey that day. I still cough crap up on occasion, but glad I quit.

Congratulations on quitting.

[–] Fredselfish@lemmy.world 8 points 2 days ago

I too quit cold turkey. Just got into my mind to stop so I did. Never cough up anything thankfully. But I know it fucked up my skin, and had a doctor tell me that my lungs had little holes in them and I should have ephesima which I don't again thankfully. I am also glad I quit because my ex wife didn't and she suffers from COPD and looks twenty yesrs older then me, even though she four years younger then me. And she still smokes.

For me 10 years smoke free next year.

[–] whoisearth@lemmy.ca 5 points 2 days ago (1 children)

Good on ya! I started late and quit early but smoking is a bitch. All these years later I miss it lol

[–] Fredselfish@lemmy.world 3 points 2 days ago (1 children)

Definitely always an addict. I also sometimes miss smoking and damn the dreams. Thankfully I won't touch them again because I think they stink now. But yes the cravings still come. Think the biggest times are when I see a character in a movie or tv light up, is when I want to light up too.

[–] whoisearth@lemmy.ca 3 points 2 days ago

Ah for me it's spring. When it gets warm out my mind goes to "I can smoke outside again and enjoy it" lol