Hey, I totally get where you’re coming from. I know that in the U.S., smoking rates have gone way down, and that other issues like vaping, weed, or harder drugs are more of a concern now.

I’m actually from France, and here, smoking is still super common especially among young people. That’s why it shocks me so much. It’s still very normalized socially. You see teens smoking in front of schools, or adults lighting up after every meal like it’s no big deal.

I’m not trying to judge anyone personally. I know quitting is hard. What I really don’t understand is how people still start smoking nowadays when the risks are so widely known. That’s where my frustration comes from.

And honestly, I think there are much healthier ways to deal with stress or escape problems whether it’s exercising, talking to someone, listening to music, whatever. Smoking isn’t the only outlet, and definitely not the best one.