The social side of the cigar hobby

[Dread]

Im relativly new to smoking cigars, been smoking them on and off since I was 18 and am now 22 and have been smoking seriously for about 7-8 months. Personally Im in it for the flavor, relaxation that a cigar brings, and the hunt for that one cigar. But obviously there is a real big social aspect behind cigars which for me is hard to get into. Almost every local shop has a members only smoking room and I read lots of stories about guys meeting new people and learning more about cigars from these. Which all sounds great on paper but for me I love to just sit down by myself or with my dog and a beer and enjoy a cigar and relax after a long day. So my question is do you get into the social aspect of cigars? Or are you for the most part a loner? I'm interested in hearing your opinions cause I really want to know if Im missing out on a whole nother side of the hobby.

[ssutton219]

Originally Posted by Dread

Im relativly new to smoking cigars, been smoking them on and off since I was 18 and am now 22 and have been smoking seriously for about 7-8 months. Personally Im in it for the flavor, relaxation that a cigar brings, and the hunt for that one cigar. But obviously there is a real big social aspect behind cigars which for me is hard to get into. Almost every local shop has a members only smoking room and I read lots of stories about guys meeting new people and learning more about cigars from these. Which all sounds great on paper but for me I love to just sit down by myself or with my dog and a beer and enjoy a cigar and relax after a long day. So my question is do you get into the social aspect of cigars? Or are you for the most part a loner? I'm interested in hearing your opinions cause I really want to know if Im missing out on a whole nother side of the hobby.

Both.

I love going out to the garage and listening to music and reading while smoking a good stick...but on the same hand I drove 5 hrs. to meet up with a group of guys who I now call some of my closest friends.


Its a matter of personal prefrence



Enjoy!


Shawn

[Ozone89]

IMO..this Lifestyle IS WHAT YOU MAKE OF IT!

If it makes you happy to smoke by yourself, then you're doing something that makes you comfortable and happy. There are no set rules, and nobody will look at you any differently if you do what's best for YOU!

For me personally, I like smoking cigars by myself,with my fiance, and with a friend or 2.

But I could totally enjoy a smoke with 15 other people, if given the chance.

But I prefer small settings.

[Dread]

Yea Ive always been more of a small setting person myself, never liked huge parties in college and for the most part I always kept to a very small group of friends. But at the same time I could see how being a part of a local members only club could be a good idea. Most of the guys I come across that smoke cigars definetly tend to be older than myself, it seems like its an unusual hobby for someone my age to be into. Im sure a lot of you know the same feeling.

[RobustBrad]

I'll go with both on this one also. First and foremost I love how I can smoke a cigar for an hour and just "get away" from everything. On the social aspect, I love talking about my hobby with other enthusiasts. Like yourself.

Meet some people on this board, meet locally and I'm sure you'll fit into the social aspect just fine.

Cheers,
Brad

[Rookee]

I usually like smoking by myself, but i am a member of a local lounge here. The lounge is nice when it's cold outside, or on sundays when we're in there watching the football game. I guess it's a plus being able to choose if a want to smoke alone or with the fellas.

[fuente~fuente]

All of the above for me.

I like smoking with just a few close friends sometimes. I enjoy a good event @ the B&M with a bunch of BOTL, & if the setting is right, all by my lonesome.........just letting the world melt away & enjoying God's creation. On my honeymoon, we went to Gatlinburg in November, & at night I sat in the hot-tub, lit up a stick, & enjoyed the beautiful mountains. It was fantastic!!!!

[jeepthing]

Love haning out with some friends and having a bonfire smoking a stick or 2. I also love the piece and quiet of sitting in my chair and just reading and puffing

[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.

[zeavran1]

I smoke 95% of the time by myself. I really enjoy my time alone with my cigar. The other 5% of the time is usually in a smoke shop or having a drink with another smoker. I really like to talk about cigars as well with other people. That's why I love this forum.

[CPJim]

I mostly smoke at home with a close friend. Sometimes a couple other people. I only ocassionally smoke at a club with others, but there is a new local lounge opening up so I'll try it out and see if I like it.

[Grammaton]

I don't know anyone else who smokes cigars, so I usually smoke alone. I like people, but I don't like crowds.

[jadeg001]

It seems that I may be in the minority here. I occasionally smoke alone, however, I usually smoke, and prefer to smoke with friends. The problem I have with this is that the majority of my friends who I smoke with know very little about cigars.

In learning more about this hobby, I have relied almost completely on Puff, and I now consider some of the members here very good friends. I am also lucky enough to a great B&M near me, and the owner has been very helpful with any question I have had.

[Stogie]

I mostly smoke by myself but I love to smoke with people at events. No matter what it is easy to make a new friend at a cigar shop or lounge. Have fun!

[Jazzmunkee]

I enjoy smoking by myself on my porch and reflecting. I thought maybe I could get my friends into smoking gars, but it seems like it's easier to meet current cigar smokers and befriend them.

Lately though I've decided to make it a point to be more social with my cigar smoking. But it's hard enough finding time for myself let alone arranging a meeting or making a trip to a B&M. O well, that's what Puff is for. I've been on here a while (quietly) but I think I'm gonna start getting involved in some trades and stuff. It's hard making that first move though.