Despite knowing it is dangerous to their health, millions of people across the world, including health experts, continue to embrace this deadly habit.  After all these warnings, Society Magazine’s Linda Mbabazi captured what Kigali residents say about dating smokers.

"I can’t date a man, who smokes. The smell is awful....I hate it! And as a Christian, I believe that smoking is a bad habit.”

Clementine Uwitonze, a.k.a Miss Tonzi is a local gospel artist.

"I can’t date a smoker. I’m a pharmacist and thank God I don’t smoke. Smoking is dangerous for your health. One of the main dangers of smoking is due to nicotine. Nicotine is found naturally in tobacco. It has no odour and no colour. It is, however, both physically and psychologically addictive, and it causes those who use it to want to smoke one cigarette after another.

Also, smoking is deadly and it causes cancer, emphysema, and heart disease. The habit can cost a smoker thousands of Rwandan francs a year. Despite its hazardous effects, I wonder why millions of people still light-up!”

Safari Kasereka is a pharmacist at Exodus depot.

"Smoking or not smoking….actually for me it doesn’t matter, as long as we truly love each.”

Clarisse Nshuti, Miss Kigali Institute of Science and Technology (KIST).

"Not even in my dreams would I think of dating a girl who smokes. Smoking is disgusting, smells bad and isn’t classy, especially for a girl.”

Amour Uwamahoro is a shop attendant at Thanks God cosmetics shop in Kigali’s Business District.

"I try to see both sides of the coin because it’s also not fair to deny her the right to smoke if she likes it. Thus, I guess I wouldn’t turn down a potential good match because of smoking. I know very well that smoking is a dangerous to the smoker’s life, but like I said. I wouldn’t refuse the perfect woman because she smokes.”

Emmanuel Habimana interior designer in downtown Kigali.

"Yes, I would date her—even if she smokes. Personally, I don’t smoke and I know that smoking is dangerous. But if we are attracted to each, I wouldn’t lose her simply because she smokes.”

Collin Sekajugo a famous local painter and the founder of Ivuka Arts Studio, located in Kigali.

"I wouldn’t mind dating a man, who smokes. I’ve never smoked but I am for smokers rights and if a man is good to me, I would not care if he wanted to smoke he could quit for his health and that might be a reason to. But it would be up to the smoker not me.”

Kitty Amanda is a local artist and student at the School of Finance and Banking (SFB).

"It would depend if I have a crush on him. If I love him, I would absolutely accept him the way he is and his smoking habit.”

Colombe Ituze Ndutiye is fashion designer and student in NCC at KIST.

"I don’t think I would be attracted to the type of woman, who smokes. I just can’t stomach the fetid odour.”

Masudana Mehmud is the assistant manager of the Magazine Faruki

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