The social side of the cigar hobby

[roughrider]

Originally Posted by Arnie

I mostly smoke by myself. Once in a while I get together with a couple friends who also like cigars, but not often.

I really enjoy the solitude and the meditative aspect of cigars.

Same here.

[Shaz]

I think it's safe to say that there is at least a small part of cigar smoking that has a social aspect to it for everyone here on this forum. The fact that you are reading this confirms that. How many of you are smoking a cigar right now?? This is a social network after all.
The wonderful thing about cigars, for me at least, is the double sided nature of it. Some of the most memorable moments are when sharing some great conversation with good people over a cigar. But on the other hand, the solitude and peacefulness of being alone with your thoughts while enjoying a cigar, I wouldn't trade that for anything.
For me, I probably enjoy the social side of it more, but both aspects have their own unique pleasures.

[madurolover]

While I can appreciate a good cigar in any setting I prefer to be with other BOTL/SOTL while smoking. I try to attend as many events and herfs as possible. I like teaching newer smokers the few things that I have learned and I like learning from those whose knowledge exceeds mine.

[Cigary]

Cigars are something of an enigma to me. They bring out an orderly way of thinking and dealing with life and it doesn't matter if you are by yourself or with others. It's as if the smoke that comes off the foot mesmorizes and hypnotizes you and you actually take time to measure the taste or the presence of what is going on in your life,,,a list of priorities suddenly changes to where you might have been stressed is now changed into a relaxed state of mind and more engaged.

I listen to those who can't stand the aroma or appearance of cigars and they really have no idea what they are talking about or missing. If they knew there was something that was able to relax the mind or soul as a good cigar can do they'd be the first one in the door to buy them.

I have seen people who once were considered to be very impatient and stressed become very likeable once they have lit a cigar and kicked back and started talking with others around them and they became very "likeable" when before they sat down they were agitated or even quiet. I have spent a lot of time in B&M's and shops and have seen how a change just settles over quite a few of them.

[mrsmitty]

Personally for me when I have the money & the gas to do it I love to go to the b&m and socialize. I have severe depression & social anxiety and my therapist suggested it would be good to get around people I don't know. Well she was right, the first time I went in the b&m I sat there for an hour and didn't say a word, but I eventually opened up and had a great time meeting some new people. Now they all know me by name and its great.

But I can also understand how some people like to have their peace isolated from others to just relax, and that's perfectly fine. Whatever makes you happy.

[Phantom57]

Have smoked cigars a very long time, and I can smoke either way, although it's mostly alone at home in my den. Have smoked at a few lounges, and in my area have found they are populated by mostly posers, and hobbyists. The types that smoke maybe 2-3 cigars a week, and like talking about them more than smoking them.

[El Smokey Bearo]

When I started smoking cigars, it was only out behind my apartment alone. I don't have any friends who really smoke, let alone smoke cigars. I finally got the confidence up to go to one of the cigar bars here in the city and have regretted waiting so long to go. Every time I go there I meet someone new. I've already started getting to know the regulars and bartenders a little bit.

[5point0]

I have just started about 2 months or so ago....I enjoy smoking by myself, while reading, having a beverage or shooting the breeze with my wife. I would love to smoke with friends...I have smoked a cigar with others only once....I attended a Drew Estates even a few weeks ago.....

[Frinkiac7]

I like to unwind and be alone at the end of the day with a good smoke...this is how most of my smoking is done.

However, there is an undeniably social aspect of cigars. Sitting down with buddies at the B&M, or having stogies with your friends at a summer barbecue...those experiences are hard to beat! Sharing the enjoyment of a great cigar simply adds to the camaraderie.

[Baccy]

I enjoy the meditative/relaxation aspect.

Nothing better than sitting around a campfire with a cigar and glass of whiskey.

[Mitch]

I use to be a pot head in high school (hear me out). One of my favorite things to do was hang out with friends, talk stupid, and smoke pot (And a lot of it). I have noticed I have brought those memories into smoking a cigar (I have been drug free since 01'). I am the type to hang out on the porch late at night and smoke by my self. I also love going to the B&M and reading, hanging out with the guys there, etc. I don't like big parties tough, or big crowds. I have lived close to the Outlaw Cigar and have yet to make it to a party (wait I have gone to one, and I thought there were too many people . I am thinking of going tomorrow though to the Ashton party.

[Mortanis]

I smoke about 50% of the time alone, mostly due to scheduling issues - a smoke on lunch, an evening when no one else is available. And that's nice and relaxing. A man and his cigar.

But for sure prefer to smoke with someone else. Even if they aren't smoking, but just talking. It's a highly social activity, and best enjoyed with company.

[Chico57]

Originally Posted by Arnie

I mostly smoke by myself. Once in a while I get together with a couple friends who also like cigars, but not often.

I really enjoy the solitude and the meditative aspect of cigars.

Same here. Once in a while I will smoke with a friend or two, but usually I prefer to smoke by myself for the exact reason that you stated.

[louistogie]

I cleaned out my garage not to long ago and turned it into the cigar lounge but we call it "The man cave." I've been having herfs a few time a week now. To me the social part is a big part of it. But I don't smoke by my self.