Colleague Tries to Introduce Smoking—"For Stress Relief"

Workplace Peer Pressure?

Smoking is a well-known habit in Singapore, but does it still have a place in today’s workplaces? One Redditor shared a workplace incident where his colleague tried to introduce him to smoking, claiming that smoking three sticks a day was harmless since he also jogs regularly.

The original poster (OP) wasn’t convinced. He rejected the offer, citing the cost and addictive nature of cigarettes. Instead, he accepted a Fisherman’s Friend mint offered by the colleague—perhaps as a symbolic compromise for “stress relief”.

The story sparked a lively discussion about smoking habits, workplace peer pressure, and the logic some smokers use to justify their addiction.

Netizens Weigh In: Excuses, Peer Pressure, and Alternatives

The thread quickly filled with reactions, ranging from amusement to exasperation at common smoking justifications.

Some pointed out the flawed reasoning behind smoking as a stress reliever:

"Tell him you love stress. Destressing is for pansies."
— u/surethereal

Others took a more serious angle, highlighting how smoking is often a slippery slope:

"Many smokers say that when they were younger or just started. After years, you will see them reeking of smoke and just straight-up looking unhealthy. Smoking is never a good investment."
— u/Necessary_Chip_5224

Another user pointed out the irony of stress management through smoking:

"I started smoking because I was stressed at work. Then I became stressed about the increase in my monthly expenditure. Finally, I started having breathing issues, which made me even more stressed! So what your friend is saying is not true—smoking actually causes stress."
— u/lucymorningsun

A few took a comedic approach, with some even suggesting "better" alternatives for stress relief:

"Going to Geylang also helps me to relieve stress. And it’s actually better."
— u/furby_bot

"Introduce sex to him. Healthy way to help de-stress as long as you use protection. Regardless of male to male, male to female, female to female."
— u/ang3lkia

Why Do People Still Smoke?

Despite the well-known health risks and financial burden, smoking remains a common habit in Singapore, particularly among certain demographics like NSFs, blue-collar workers, and older generations. Some key factors include:

• Peer Pressure – As seen in OP’s case, colleagues and friends sometimes encourage smoking as part of social bonding.
• Workplace Culture – Some industries, like construction and F&B, have a strong smoking culture where stepping out for a cigarette break is the norm.
• Perceived Stress Relief – Many believe smoking helps manage stress, despite evidence that nicotine addiction actually increases anxiety over time.
• Availability of Alternatives – While vaping remains illegal in Singapore, smokers still have access to alternatives like nicotine patches, gum, and lozenges.

Final Thoughts

The Reddit discussion ultimately reinforced a common truth: smoking isn’t really about stress relief—it’s about addiction. While some insist they can “control” their habit, the reality is that smoking rarely remains casual for long.

OP’s decision to reject cigarettes but accept a Fisherman’s Friend mint was a lighthearted but firm way to set boundaries. Perhaps that’s the takeaway: sometimes, all you need to shut down peer pressure is a mint and a strong no.