Is it worth it?

Question

I asked a question like this a while ago, but realized my intentions may have been misinterpreted. My question is, for a 17 year old under a lot of stress, is smoking [cigs]worth it? My parents sent me to a college prep, all-boys high school, which frankly, sucks. Its really hard, as we have at least 3 hours of homework a night, and they hold very high academic standards. I’m mildly smart, but compared against some of the extremely smart people at this school, I’m just above average. The problem is my parents are still holding me to the grades I got at my extremely easy elementary school, and they blame my fall in grades on my laziness. No matter what I do, they find fault in me. If I’m not studying, a go to chill out, they get on me about studying for the SAT (which is a month and a half away) and say how I’m not going to go to a good college. This has been driving me crazy, and stressing ridiculously, and I need something. No, talking to them won’t work, I’ve tried. I’m not

comfortable talking to them anyway. I’ve heard that smoking is extremely relaxing. I have a job, so money isn’t an issue. It seems like a good alternative, even though I’m sure they would be upset if they found out. However, I was thinking, if I just did one a day (I know cigs are addicting, but this is hypothetical), would it still smell on me or my clothes after 3 hours? Honest answers only, please. I’m thinking that if cigs can help relieve stress, then I also may be able to get better grades, since nothing else has worked for me and I’m desperate.

Finally, if so, what are good to smoke? And yes, I would kick the habit in college or something. I know girls hate guys who smoke, so I would definately kick it.

Thanks for reading all this.

Yeah, I work out every morning (I told you i tried everything).

And I don't feel comfortable talking about my feelings with my own parents - much less counsolors or doctors. I just feel really akward. I never have been an open person by any means. In fact, I can't think of a time I've ever talked to someone about my feelings.

I was also listening to music to relieve stress, but my parents went off on me about my grades and grounded me from my lifeline iPod.

Answer 1

Oh, please, don't start smoking!

It is SOOOO hard to quit once you've started. It took me years to quit. And it postitively RUINS your lungs. If you don't get lung cancer, you get asthma or emphysema, which are even worse.

Plus its very expensive and it causes yellow teeth, premature wrinkles, and stinky clothes like an ashtray. All of these are bad if you are interested in dating, romance, etc.

Maybe talking to a school counselor about all the stress would be an option? Your parents sound very hard to please, and it sounds like you are working hard and that you have a good head on your shoulders.

My friend's father just recently died of lung cancer from smoking, even though he had quit 20 years earlier! So cigarettes do a lot of damage and it can take years before it shows up and then its too late. Within six months, he was dead, and he suffered a lot.

Please do something productive about the stress, such as seeing a counselor, talking to your parents about all the pressure, taking up exercise, such as jogging, or taking a stress management course or something. or take out a book from the library on stress management or something.

Answer 2

Your parents are being unrealistic, and smoking isn't going to help your situation any, only damage your health.

You might try talking to your family doctor. If you're really feeling that much stress, he might be able to explain to them what their pressure is doing to you. You definitely need an adult in your corner to advocate for you, and I'd start there.

Legally, you don't HAVE to go to school at all. I wonder if your overbearing parents have considered that? Or you can simply choose to go to the local public high school and be a normal boy, not just the product of your parents' ambitions.

I'm sure they mean well and that the school you're going to is good for you, but your welfare comes first. If the pressure is too much, it's time to back off at least a little. Make an appointment to see your doctor and get a check-up and tell him what's going on (and you don't need your parents' permission to see your doctor, by the way).

Answer 3

please dont start smoking! smking willl not relieve u from stress i am tellling u that right now, if anything it will become more stressful.if u work hard now tehn your will be resting the rest of your life just cause u actualy worked hard when u were yunger. my dad took on smoking for the same reason and he still cant lick the habbit even though he has alot of will power! if u are that stressed go for a walk , or if u need to talk to someone im me. buut trust me dont do it!

Answer 4

No smoking is not worth it. It's an age old thing for people to punish themselves for what others do to them. They're your parents so I can't say ignore them or forget about them. Sorry, but you'll have to put up with it until you DO get into a good college, and until you graduate and start earning your own living. Then, it they are still nothing but negative, you have the power to ignore them.

Answer 5

Are we brothers? lol sounds like my folks, always on my case for not being good enough or as good as my older brother.
The fact is, they love you and want you to do better than what ever they had. Called the American Dream (if you live in the U.S.).
Reality Check: What do you want out of life? Your parents can't live your life for you, nor should you waste it way. Always thrive to make your best better, but don't burn yourself out doing it.
Right now your at what is about to be the turning point of your life. Leaving school and joining the real world we call the rat race. Make the best out of what is offered to you if it directs you to what you want out of life. Most of us don't get a second chance...so don't burn yours away.!
In a nut shell....what do you want?

Answer 6

please don't make that decision there's better things to relieve stress why don't u hang out with your friends at the beach or go to the movies but not smoking!!!you're gonna get addicted to it first you start smoking one a day and from there it goes to almost a whole pack a day trust me i know very well about this and after wards it's a difficult to quit!!!

Answer 7

Ask your parents if you all could go to family mediation so that you and they could work out a more reasonable plan. You need a disinterested professional person to help you all out.
Smoking no matter what it is is not worth doing.
Good luck.

Answer 8

young and dumb as we are it sounds OK but until you see an older person panting trying to get enough air to sustain life with the aid of oxygen in a hospital room. It is not worth it what feels OK now may later on be non reversible and in your older years it would be a loss of quality of life.

Answer 9

No, it's not worth it. My great-uncle has emphysema and lung cancer- all because of smoking. He can barely walk up the stairs without getting short of breath. Think of the long term consequences before you head into it.

Answer 10

No smoking is not worth it. Just try telling your parents that the school is too much for you.