Most of the salient points have been said, but let me dispell a few myths:
It is NOT true that smoking makes you "unticklish" so to speak (unless you were not that ticklish to start I suppose). BUT, it does inhibit your circulation (especially the hands and feet cf. Mimi's comments and the stepsister story above) as well as affect your pain receptors. And yep - those same nerves that carry pain sensation are the ones that carry the tickling sensation. Want to be a better lee? Quit smoking ASAP (rhyme unintentional).
It is NOT true that smokers can not go for long tickle sessions - some can, well at least for now. That said your stamina for tickling (as well as for athletic activities and sex - which for some of us are one and the same 🙂 ) WILL BE REDUCED. No doubt about it. Eventually when you develop emphysema, heart problems, etc. your ability to function as a ticklee will no doubt be severely hampered if not eliminated.
It is NOT true that all men who smoke are impotent. It IS true that they are at higher risk than nonsmokers and therefore well on their way. (I know that is not necessarily relevant to tickling but I am sure that to the guys this topic is always relelvant)
It is NOT true that you can smoke and not smell of it. Some people do a much better job than others of being discrete and hygenic about their tobacco smell for sure. But a nonsmoker without a cold who does not live with and work around smokers all the time can pick it up. Trust me on this one - you are fooling nobody.
It is NOT true that Marijuana smoke is not as bad for you as tobacco. It is different, that is for sure but the emphysema you get is much worse than what you get with tobacco. Not sure how MJ affects one's ticklishness but I would imagine it is a hindrance.
In short, tobacco is a habit which is not only expensive to your wallet and your health but may make you a less desirable tickler and definitely inhibit you ability to enjoy being a ticklee.
Five percent of us can quit cold turkey and walk away, the other 95% of us need help. See your doctor for assistance - aside from the people who truly love you, he/she is one of the only people who really wants you to quit. That said, you have to be the most determined of all to make it work and free yourself from being enslaved to tobacco (just as any other addictive substance).
Any questions, please feel free to PM me.
Professor Tkl, MD
