An Addictive Substance, and I Started with my Eyes Open

Disclaimer: I would never suggest that anyone take up smoking just to meet friends; it is a terrible filthy habit and it is hard to quit.

But …

... I distinctly remember the first couple of days of school. I did not know anyone aside from my roommate, and neither of us really had many reasons to leave the room. One day I noticed that there were a lot of people smoking outside and I started talking to them. Soon I was smoking. After that first encounter I felt like I really knew more people; when I went to lunch, I now had people to sit with and when I saw people on campus, I now would say hi. Eventually I started hanging out with my newfound smoking buddies.

Smoking was also really important for me in my freshman year because there are times that you really feel trapped in your tiny room with little to do. It was an excuse to go outside, relieve some stress and talk to people. It’s really interesting how the people you smoke with can end up being some of your better friends just because of those little special moments you spend with them that you don’t have with other people. It becomes a sort of community – most people on campus can tell at every residence hall where people will gather to smoke. Doing something together, something that lots of people frown on, really does speed up the bonding. The alcoholics and the druggies must get that from their habits as well.

One day, my roommate said he was not going to smoke any more (a good choice) and instead we came up with the idea of buying a football and a frisbee. We went outside to throw them around and surprisingly enough, other people started to get in on it. It could be a great alternative, but I do feel that people are somewhat hesitant to ask to play. On the other hand, to be part of a group of smokers, you just have to come along and join in.

I don't regret it at all. It served a good purpose for me. But I'm glad I could give it up.