Why would someone try to hide that they started smoking again?

[Insecure2]

I've known someone for about half a year. When we met he decided to stop smoking and for a few months was even successful. (Just to make IT clear we are not in a relationship and quitting was his choice I had nothing to do with IT). I was happy for him. However, recently I started suspecting he went back to IT as he stopped mentioning how long he could manage without smoking, he started going out in the cold and hiding behind the corner of the building in order not to be seen or spending long minutes inside his car before finally coming out. I know it's not my place to criticise him and I wouldn't do IT, but I feel confused as to why didn't he say he started smoking again?

[sage2021]

I don't think it's his own shame, I think it's that other people think smoking cigarettes is the worst thing in the world to do.

I remember when people used to nag me at work to stop smoking when I was in the smoking area! They'd walk by and say stupid questions like "Don't you know smoking is bad for you"?

I would say back to the non-smokers comments "Well, at least I do it out in the open for everyone to see. You probably do things that are bad but you hide it". Everyone has something they do that not everyone would do or does.

If people didn't think it was so disgusting TO THEM, and more people smoked, he probably wouldn't feel he needs to sneak around.

[Surely]

He might be ashamed of himself for not having the willpower to stop. He should realize that a none smoker can easily smell smoke on a smoker.

[Surely]

@Insecure2. Thank you for the MHO!

[laly520]

feeling ashamed

[jamesgoldman]

Shame is common