Wow. So many of you who smoked! What is it with this business and smoking?

You know, I never picked it up. Ever. Sometimes if I'm out drinking with friends who smoke, I'll have one, just for the hell of it. But I can smoke one or two cigarettes a month and never want another for six months.

My mom smoked like a chimney, so I think that had a lot to do with me being so against it. I found it to be a digusting, filthy habit, but more importantly, I realized early on that it was a "crutch" for my mother, something she did to "get through" the day. I immediately saw it as a sign of weakness, so I was comlpetely turned off to it. I have the same reaction to people who cling to religion. Anything people use as a "crutch" completely turns me off.

I honestly don't know where that comes from. I guess b/cuz my father was so strong-willed and just got out there and did stuff and never let anything hold him back, and never needed anything. He was just a self-made man who was independent and he was very down on my mother for her smoking, and I guess I followed suit. I could never be in a relationship with a smoker.

It's funny how gay guys will always say, "People who bareback are so fucking stupid," and then they'll light up a cigarette and take a big, long drag on it. LOL!

Anyway, I commend you guys for taking this VERY IMPORTANT step toward better health. It's not just physical health, but mental health as well. You will feel better about yourselves for having given up something that had such a power over your will. Being able to have your will to live a healthy, productive life overpower your addiction to something so damaging will only make you feel better about yourself. You'll like yourself much better.