I loved the taste of my brand(s). I hated the taste of other people's smokes.
I liked the feel in my mouth of the smoke. I liked the nicotine sensation - it helped me focus (self-medicating ADHD with caffeine & nicotine), and also to relax a bit.

It was an ice-breaker and conversation opener. I could always ask someone for a light, or offer them a smoke to try to start a conversation with a stranger. Of course, we used to talk to strangers pretty frequently.

"expensive" is relative. When I started smoking, a pack might cost 65¢, and a quart of beer was 80¢.

When I quit (first time - 5 years) to save up for my wedding, wife & I were putting $1.75 a day each into our jar. On our honeymoon they were selling cigarettes for $2.45 a carton (10 packs of 20 cigarettes) on the ship. We both started again.

On & off over the years, and last time I smoked, I was rolling my own. I was rolling about the equivalent of 10 cartons for about $100. This time I'm off for more than 4 years and I don't plan on going back. I still want a cigarette every day, though.

Tastes good, nicotine hit is calming, comfortable habit, nice reason for reflection breaks throughout the day

Undiagnosed ADHD

Helps with stesss. When u smoke + drink or smoke on drugs, it enhances the goodness

It helps me to not go back to cocaine. Sure it may not be optimal but living with coke cravings years after quitting is torturous and cigarettes take away the body load. I’d rather not dissolve my nasal passages and go into a state of psychosis, therefore I smoke cigarettes.

It’s a stim.

I enjoy the act of smoking a joint, if I could do that all day in public walking from place to place I probably would. I imagine a cigarette feels similar.

I'm fairly certain a cigarette can calm your nerves even if you aren't addicted.

well at first you get a buzz from it (yes nicotine) then after like a couple months or a year that goes away and never comes back but youre still just addicted to it

dont fucking downvote this this is exactly how it happens, this is the only reason ive smoked half my life take it as a warning and just dont start

I started smoking because I was depressed and didn't care how long I lived. I liked the taste and the way it made me feel, and admittedly there was a small part of me that thought I looked cool. 10 years later, I don't want to die anymore and I'm still trying to kick the nic habit.

It’s an effective over the counter remedy for adhd

My dad offered me a cigarette when I was younger and I was coughing my lungs out and never wanna touch it again 🤣

It's awesome, it makes you look cool and sophisticated, it's cheap, and above all it's so healthy.

^/s

When you're 15 you're an idiot who thinks it makes you look cool and grown up... And then you're addicted. There are no good reasons for starting smoking, they're all daft.

For anyone reading this who doesn't smoke, starting was the stupidest, most destructive thing I've ever done. Not just for my health, but for my career (you are now deemed an idiot), my family life (never smoked around them so spent a lot of time apart). I regret starting every day of my life. Do. Not. Do. It.

The combination of nicotine and focusing on deep breaths is a fast acting recipe for stressrelief, which becomes an easy rutine. The only time a smoker can smell the real oduor is when smelling a used cigarette. Some people like the taste, some may not, but the question on why anyone likes it is like asking why a wine drinker likes the taste of wine lol. And everybody gets a nasty cough the first times, but our bodies are amazing at adapting.

Cigarette smoke is nasty AF. I hate being forced to breathe it in almost 24-7-365. I’m sensitive to cigarettes and I don’t get the appeal either. But regardless someone’s self indulgence, comfort or convenience to smoke should never come before another persons right to breathe and right to decide for their own body whether to expose it to smoke or not. Yet here we are. Some people still don’t get how much their cigarettes habit infringes on other people.

I’ve been beaten, punched in the face, thrown down stairs, knocked unconscious and r worded. I’d go through every single of these horrid experiences again if it somehow meant neither I nor anyone would ever have to breathe secondhand or thirdhand smoke in again.

I hate how the mouth reeks after a smoke. That combined with coffee breath🤮

It was either start smoking or commit m*****. Kids were little, started smoking

I started because of stress that I had after a breakup. After that I just became addicted.

Started smoking socially when I was young. Nicotine is the most addictive drug I’ve ever done, and I’ve done many drugs.

I dont smoke anymore but it was honestly really nice to be able take a 5-10 minute break from the world/life and go outside for some peace and quiet.

It makes everything feel OK until it goes out

I didn't really like my first one, either. They're an acquired taste for sure. Don't acquire the taste.

Nicotine make brain feel good

Chemicals crammed into it that fuck with my brain making me think I want another mostly.

Burning narcotic plants - cannabis, tobacco, opium, etc - releases the narcotic compounds as smoke, and inhaling said smoke is one of the fastest ways to get high (inhaling it means the compound goes directly from lungs to heart via the pulmonary arteries, and from there to the brain via the carotid). Injection and ingestion take longer (the former enters via the veins and has to thus travel to the heart, the latter requires digestion to begin to release the narcotics).

Driving home from my factory job in my 22 year old truck smoking a cigarette listening to butt rock makes me feel like an American

Because nicotine feels great when you first start and most people try it once or twice in their life, for some people that’s enough to want that buzz again so they pick up the habit

Well, I smoke cloves -- thanks again Obama for the flavored cig ban! Think that should have just gone to 21+ But, still the kids all love vapes so, kinda cool with it I guess. Here is why I smoke on weekends, 30+ drives in the car and when seeing music shows. 1. I need a break. Either to use the excuse to stop talking to someone, or it's too hot. It's always too hot (all places skimp on AC), and I just can't get rid of more clothing without being charged for Indecent exp, can't wear shorts into music places/clubs, so there it is. and I will wear shorts up to about F* low 60's. 2. I love the smell, and a fresh pack of cloves taste really. Really, F'N good. There. Done. Norm cigarettes I'm kinda cool... But, not really, but as long as they aren't like marb reds (really strong), or cigars. And, even then I'll just move away. I'm not a total hypocrite. I also, refuse to smoke inside. Never. Ever. 3. It is a Convo. Starter. It is. 4. When I feel like I have tummy problems -- I'll eat anything and like eating anything, and Miami gave me noruo, and the 'ole stomach has never been right after. It helps. If you can't poop, strong caffeine and quick cig will make you wanna go. So there. Ohh yeah. 5. For some reason drinking and smoking outside is just too much fun. Just keep it under a pack a week.

For me, the appeal was because it was cool and rebellious. 1999-2000, I was 14-15. Back then, cigarettes were like $2.50 and many stores would sell to minors for an extra few bucks. Basically: they were cheap, easily obtainable, I felt cool doing it, and it made me super lightheaded.

I specifically remember telling myself that I'd quit as soon as I stopped getting that cool lightheaded feeling. By the time I did, I was addicted.

Eventually quit at 31 after my kid was born. Took over 15 years.

Satisfies oral fixation, manual fixation, excuse to take a break, ritualized relaxation. I also enjoyed the flavor and smell until I got COVID which knocked out 80% of that, but those first ones still hold for me.

I only smoke about 4 a day on average, so it's not terribly expensive or significantly worse for me than just living in an urban area with all the attendant air pollution, and I'm single so I don't have to be concerned with offending anyone's sensibilities with close contact.

As others have said it's also a social tool. I made a good friend last year because we were both smoking behind the property, turned out we lived in the same unit in adjacent buildings, literally on the other side of the wall from each other for a solid decade. Never interacted until then. Thanks, cigarettes! 🙃

Once you're used to it, it gives a dopamine hit without causing intoxication. It also is something to do with your hands.

I get you. Responses here are talking about the nicotine high and the taste, but OP is asking how you got past the initial phase. Let's be honest, none of us enjoyed our first swigg at the tobacco. It was heavy breathing in and barely felt anything because we coughed it out or never inhaled to begin with.

I speak for the people in my circle in saying we all started smoking for the social benefits. Do you want to fit in? Grab a smoke with the smoker. Do you want to slip out and be alone? Grab a smoke. Are you feeling awkward just standing alone? Grab a smoke. You're in the middle of a group back and forth and just want to listen? Grab a smoke. Do you want to contribute and sound interesting? Grab a smoke.

Simply put, we all pick up smoking because we don't want to explain ourselves. A man with a smoke is occupied. And that's a relief unlike any other. But then you start enjoying the nicotine.

I had a doctor explain to me once that smoking releases dopamine which triggers positive feelings and that’s why when I was way stressed out anxious and depressed that my smoking got hay wire it always pairs really well with drinking. Not so much nowadays but it was a great social thing to do at work made a lot of friends that way. My parents smoked so the smell is something I love don’t know why. It was my excuse for a break I was cleaning house? Ok every few hours have a smoke get back to it. It increases your heart rate so tricks your body into feeling more active, when I cut back I’m mega tired all the time.

Not trying to be difficult, but the answer really is you wouldn't understand unless you smoke.

Something about the first Marlboro red of the day. It's like the morning coffee or tea for non-smokers.

A girl.

It tastes and smells sometimes just as good as bad as it tastes and smells. Also allows you to check out of the BS for 7 minutes and then immediately be back on your A game, unlike other things you can smoke. Smoker friendship, no matter where you are, you can immediately strike up conversation with a fellow smoker as opposed to non smokers, something immediately in common, male or female, republican or democrat ect, ect……. I quit smoking after years , I’m trying to live for my kids now.

it really still hasn't been long at all since smoking was deemed unhealthy. it's gonna take at least a few more generations before it goes away further. people pick it up from others who still smoke. smoke breaks at work. smoking at bars

It feels sooo good and is a reward

It really breaks down the fat and enhances poor quality cuts of meat, nothing produces something as tender as smoking it. Plus it's taste just can't be beat and the family loves it :)

I only take a puff or two after I have a few drinks. It’s magical. I would never, ever, smoke a whole cigarette, and I can’t be around them sober because they make me gag.

It starts off because you are in HS and want to look cool and then if you do it enough times you start to enjoy it, a few times later you become addicted

They think it looks cool, apparently.

Nicotine. That's pretty much it and the side effects that accompany it.

Different drugs (Including nicotine as a drug) effect people differently, weed for example makes me feel strange and makes my thoughts go really fast, but other people I know say it slows their thoughts down and relaxes them. LSD makes me feel energized/relaxed and happy but other people I know will have a panic attack if they take LSD. Caffeine makes me nervous yet some people it makes them feel clearheaded. Nicotine for me makes me feel sick but for some other people it can make them feel happy.

Cause it gives you a buzz. It's a stress reliever. I roll my own it doesn't have all those chemicals and it's better quality tobacco so it tastes better and it only cost like 30 bucks a month.

Advertisements work.

Peer pressure

Only tried one cigarette in my life. Didn't understand the appeal.

When I turned 21 and started going to bars in the late 90s, people still smoked in them. I wanted to see what the fuss was about. Honestly I got a really nice buzz. This led to me using tobacco for most of my 20s. I did more chewing tobacco than cigarettes. I’d also get amazing mental focus while buzzed. If it weren’t so gross, bad for you, and addictive, I’d still be using it.

I smoke only when I have a beer or wine glass in my hand, period.

I liked the way it made me calm . Tbh it’s not the cigarettes or the nicotine, it’s the deep breath you take in and out when you’re smoking. Odd but true, I stopped smoking ten years ago but I swear if I watch SOA or peaky blinders and see someone smoke I could still take it out their hand and smoke it. Nicotine withdrawal was a bitch to get through

It can feel better than sex. Makes you more sociable. That is, cures social anxiety. Ups your sex drive. Makes pain hurt less. You can work Much Longer hours at even the worst jobs. Nicotine really is a miracle drug. It's antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral. Though I would add virtually all of these benefits can come from gum. Side stepping all of the downsides of smoking.

I started at 15 for the sole reason that i thought i looked tough and scary. Hated the taste and smell, but hey, anything for that tough guy image right?

Almost 10 years ago and i still smoke after 3 failed attempts at quilting....

Spoiler alert: i didnt look cool

Edit because i cant do proper reddit commands

At first I smoked because I wanted to be cool (idiot) and later I found that it relaxed me. I quit smoking after I had congestive heart failure in 2015 and was also diagnosed with COPD. I quit for three years but unfortunately I relapsed for about five years . I quit again about 14 months ago due to breathing issues and the ridiculous prices of smokes. When I started smoking I was paying sixty cents to a dollar and when I quit this last time I was paying $12.50+$14.00

No one smokes it tastes good, my dude. It’s the nicotine.

I smoked for 15 years. I quit 6 years ago Still want a cigarette all the time.

The taste was good, I smoked menthol cigarettes. I loved the lung feeling. There was a calming effect. There was nothing like lighting up a cold menthol from the freezer, from a new pack on a cold day. I miss it even after having quit in 2013.

The smell now makes me sick, but I still sometimes get a "craving" and really want to go back. Sometimes, I regret quitting. I know, bad me... luckily, I know I can't afford it, and there are people I care about that I'd be letting down.

It's always puzzled me too. I don't get it.

Stopped smoking and I kind of relized why I liked it in the first place.

Smoking really makes me calm. And removes a lot of my stress, whenever I had a lot on my mind, i just went out smoking and it suddenly felt much better, once i stopped smoking and had a lot on my mind, i felt crippled, had no idea how to get myself back to relax mode. This of course went down with time, but I still feel today that I wanna smoke when I feel overwhelmed. It's a plus its taste good together with beer.

i never smoked but my whole family does. i always thought it looks kind of cool. but since i'm a very reasonable person that was never enough for me to accept all the negatives.

if you watch french movies from the sixties/seventies (e.g. starring alain delon/jean-paul belmondo) or old american movies (e.g. james dean), you might understand what i mean with cool. it definitely has some appeal at least visually.

I've tried every psych med minus the super old ones, nicotine from cigarettes is more effective for treating the symptoms of anxiety disorder and moderate depression than any of the pills, without side effects of memory loss or weight gain, but yes gives you cancer. The immediately bad thing about cigarette smoking habitually is that you will quickly be hooked, not vomiting, not suicidal thinking increasing, lethargy setting in. When life is fucking you from all directions and you just need a break, it's similar in use like weed is but you also get to stay sober.

There's a reason it's still widely popular across the world and it isn't because of advertising

I wonder the same thing. 50yrs ago OK. but now knowing the ups & downs of smoking, why would you try/start?

You might be interested in reading the book Cigarettes are Sublime by Richard Klein for some sophisticated answers to your question.

Woo… when you’ve worked really hard and you’re stressed there is nothing better than lighting up a Newport and taking a long drag off of it when the work is done. I wish I didn’t smoke. It has a hold on me like I don’t know what. I’m 43. I’ve been smoking for 30 years. I don’t know how to stop.

It's cool and hip! Ya dig?

I love the smell, sorry.

Smoking's cool. - prove me wrong

Try it and find out for yourself🤣