Started smoking at about age thirteen - gave up twice and went back before finally giving up at age thirty-six. That time I had such severe withdrawal symptoms that the aversion factor kicked in - wouldn't want to go through that again!

I've gone through the militant anti-smoker bit and can now just tolerate other people smoking, but not when the air gets really thick. I don't like the smell on my clothes afterwards though.

I would agree that the smoker themself is the only person who will make the decision to stop. From my own experience trying to persuade them not to just hardens the resolve to continue in most cases, even if they know that it would be the most sensible thing to do.