I started smoking because I realized I'd be disadvantaged (and miss out on friends) by not participating in my former office's smoke breaks. It's really hard to understate the social aspect. I met so many people by just standing places with a cigarette. Potential dates/partners, work connections, etc... Standing out with a cigarette is like a beacon for people to chat with you or ask to bum one. It's a shortcut to socialization.

But don't do it. They're awful, take all your money, and make you feel and smell like death. It stops being fun after like a week, tops.