The habit of smoking is a love/hate relationship of the greatest proportions, and for most of us, breaking free of nicotine addiction brings on a re-birth of sorts. We emerge from the ashes of our smoking habits changed, often in profound ways.

Members of our Smoking Cessation support forum here at About.com have expressed this transformation through goodbye letters, a few of which are highlighted below. They are poignant accounts of the unhealthy attachments we had to smoking, and the perspective and growth we experience once we leave the habit behind.

The Seduction

From Leslie:

"At the beginning, I only pretended to like you. You see, I wanted so badly to fit in, to belong. And you were so popular, so glamourous. I hung out with you now and then just to be 'cool' by association. I was such an awkward girl, and it seemed that hanging out with you made me look more interesting, a little edgy."

More Goodbye Letters

• My Darling...

• I Will Survive!

• From Loss Comes Strength

_{Photo © Leslie Bainbridge}