I remember when the whole world smoked. And it wasn’t all that long ago… 2000, maybe? Going to a pub with friends meant pints of beer and cartons of cigarettes. I remember ordering a booze delivery service once for the sole purpose of a ciggie run. The best thing was it created this strong social connection – sure, it was bad, but we were all irresponsible together, joining the cool ranks of Marlon Brando, Coco Chanel and Slash. Many lifelong friends were made from bumming a cigarette or sharing a light.
Yes, I realise smoking is bad for one’s health. Yes, I realise people die from it. It is terribly, terribly irresponsible of me. Yes. Yes. Yes. I know.
But isn’t that what being “cool” is? Being irresponsible? At least it was in my 20’s…
Now I’m 30, and I’m the only person still committed. That’s right –I’ve stayed dedicated and true when everyone else has given up. Not bad for a self-proclaimed commitment phoebe. Furthermore, I’m not going to give up just because it’s harder to do. Or less cool. Or more expensive. This is true commitment, my friend.
Though, to be honest, I don’t see myself being an old woman and still buying a couple packs a week, either (nothing’s less cool than a granny coughing up her lungs in a haze of smoke). No – this is a young person’s habit. I’m prepared to give it up for the sake of a child or a partner. I may even give up if LiLo keep “promoting it” (she’s seriously undoing all the “cool” Brando and Dean injected into the brand years ago). But for now, at least while I still feel young and invincible, I smoke for myself. Especially after a couple glasses of wine.
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