How/Why do most people start smoking? (A Poll For Curiousity)

It's a funny side aspect for me, because I started smoking mostly while driving or being driven around the action of driving and smoking felt almost umbilical linked. Now almost two years smoke free I'm finally able to drive and not crave a smoke. Mine was one of a psychological dependence and not so physical. Each person makes up there own minds as to when and if they want to quit and I totally support this. I also can relate most closely with those whom say a drink and a smoke especially out at a bar (good old days) is a totally natural mix. Sitting at the bar and a smoke gave your hands something to do while you thought about some witty topic with which to approach a woman with....with a good 90% of the time finding you hadn't thought long enough....lol !

Kirsch,
Honestly it did for me boil down to feeling short of breath, weezing and concerned for my blood pressure. So in the end it all has to be about personal will power. Like I said the chemical part could have been worse but I believe that the fact I wasn't inhaling ultra deeply helped, that being said the mental part of the addiction was the worst. I just felt compelled to smoke at certain times like driving/drinking/under stress.....it's the weirdest sensation. I'm here to support anyone wanting to quit and I'm here to support anyones right to continue smoking. For me it was my time and having quit several times before I know that I'll never be totally out of the woods. After two years the sensations of wanting needing a smoke are muted but I still must be careful each day.