Stay_Gold Posted February 17, 2014 Share Posted February 17, 2014 I am going through a difficult time in my life (5-6 years now). I am also a very emotional/sensitive guy. Lots of crying during sad movies, events and situations/incidents. I used to cry a lot at work (Totally unprofessional) and by myself a lot. Since I am having a tough time in my life…I started to smoke cigarettes on a daily routine/basis. I noticed that the cigarettes/smoking has actually made me more Stoic. I can actually hold back my tears and I don’t cry as much now. I feel like I can actually just see things for what they are and don’t really care as much for how they make me feel. I feel emotionally stronger when I smoke. It actually makes me feel like a “REAL MAN”. IMO…that’s a good thing because I have always wanted to be a strong/stoic type of person. I believe the smoking has helped me forget sad/traumatic events/situations/incidents in my life. I also feel the smoking helps me focus on the present and not the past or future. On the other hand…I know ALL the bad side effects of smoking. It’s definitely a bad habit and lifestyle that no one should ever do if they want to live a happy fulfilling life. 1. Does anyone here feel the same and do you feel smoking helps with your emotional problems…?? 2. Do you think smoking/substances/drugs actually make you emotionally stronger as a person and is the reason why so many people have these addictive habits…?? The only counter argument I can come up with is that smoking is instilling a placebo effect/stereotype in my head. I think the main reason the smoking makes me feel more emotionally stronger is because of all the images/culture/philosophy that comes with smoking. The image of the “Strong, silent, stoic MARLBORO MAN” is what I see when I think of smoking. Also...all the commercials/advertisements of cigarette ads that show people having fun and having no cares/worries also comes to mind. Is it ok for a man to be emotional/sensitive in all aspects of his life? Or is he suppose to be that strong, silent Marlboro man…?? Thanks for the help/advice/input. Link to post Share on other sites
carhill Posted February 17, 2014 Share Posted February 17, 2014 Since nicotine and other chemicals in cigarettes affect neurotransmitters in the brain, along with stimulating or retarding other chemical processes in the body, one aspect of the process can indeed be a more 'sedate' demeanor, as one's emotional 'moods' are chemical at their base. If you're interested, there are excellent articles on the net regarding brain chemistry and smoking. One aspect we covered during the dementia diagnosis process (I learned about it while caregiving) was cigarette smoking, as research indicated potential competing aspects where smoking could affect oxygenation and blood flow to the brain, could as well provide protection to certain neurotransmitters which are affected during the dementia processes of degeneration. Pretty interesting stuff. Link to post Share on other sites
ja123 Posted February 18, 2014 Share Posted February 18, 2014 I'm a woman, but also wanted to be a strong Marlboro man. Ultimately, it's a crock of sh*t, and now I'm addicted to paying for something that's killing me. I have yet to finish Allen Carr's Easyway to Stop Smoking book, but he addresses the romantic misconceptions that surround smoking. I wish I never started and, instead, took up jogging to deal with my emotions. Link to post Share on other sites
FitChick Posted February 18, 2014 Share Posted February 18, 2014 You are better off smoking e-cigarettes. Fewer chemicals and you can smoke in most places, unlike tobacco. Link to post Share on other sites
regine_phalange Posted February 19, 2014 Share Posted February 19, 2014 It's healthy to have and show emotion. A little bit of crying never harmed anyone! Link to post Share on other sites
Recommended Posts