Never Good Enough?

[Nizzlefuzz]

On 1/23/2024 at 8:25 AM, 99call said:

I must confess (and it's not a criticism). I do find it really alien, that a lot of Americans on the forum seem to be obsessed with anniversary boxes, baby boxes, graduation boxes, promotion boxes. For a country that sort of likes to promote itself as super macho and stoic, there appears to be a lot of sentimentality, and self-back patting going on. 

Again is not a criticism, I think it's good to celebrate and mark occasions. The UK, is a strange place, if anyone got wind you were treating yourself for some sort of occasion, there would be lots of derision flying around. i.e. "Jesus Christ!!!...check out billy big bollocks over here!!...are you going to buy yourself a solid gold toilet while you're at it?".

I'm fully able to enjoy buying stuff for other peoples special occasions in my life, but yes, congratulating yourself in the UK is considered pretty strange. 

I don't think my "First million dollar check" box will ever get smoked. I'll be up in flames before they are.

As an American, I love this take. And also take no offense. I think some of it can be attributed to the grail that is a fine Cuban cigar. The forbidden fruit of generations. I'm sure this has been discussed ad nauseum here (I'm a newbie, bear with me) but they have a different meaning in the US than in places where they're available "around the corner." 

I'll admit I've already fallen victim to celebratory box syndrome. My fiance and I were in Puerto Vallarta and she fixated on a Partagas Salomones (in before size queen jokes, guaranteed not the case 🤣). This was years prior to our engagement and it's the only CC I've brought back from Mexico as more than just a band. Still have it...and two more TUA 21 boxes that cost me $500 a pop. We've agreed these will be our post-wedding anniversary cigars for the decades to come. I'm lucky she's into the hobby with me...as in more than just tolerates it.

It's not so much a pat on the back situation, or something we don't share with others. It's a memorial, or a remembrance...an homage, if you will. I struggle to think of how I'd mark any other aspects of my life like this. Maybe a specific home cooked meal? Or a trip to a place that was particularly enjoyable? Like you said: it's sentimentality.

Americans are great at thinking "remember the good old days?" Especially these days (according to every generation ever). I'm sure that's not specific to us, culturally speaking, but it helps understand why we'd want to take the time to look back and reevaluate life at specific intervals. It's The American Dream! Tomorrow will always be better! You can do whatever you want and live the best life you can! It's mostly garbage, obviously, but we do like to reflect on life from time to time. Maybe that is more of a built-in response in our culture? Am I living the dream? Is my life as good as it can be? A fine cigar gives time to reflect on such things. Maybe I'm wrong, I'd love to hear otherwise.

Anyway, sorry for the wall of text. Enjoying the discussion in this thread!

[MagicalBikeRide]

On 1/24/2024 at 1:03 AM, BrightonCorgi said:

Do you find there is never a great enough event to smoke your most cherished cigars or wine? Coming up with an excuse like,

After first born - "Maybe next time"

First million dollar check - "I don't know"

Cancer free - "Only a few left in the box"

Why do we have such hesitations?  Do we really think there will be bigger event we're waiting on?

I’m the opposite of this. When a special occasion comes around, I tend to lament the fact that I’ve smoked all the best gear. 

Reflecting on it more generally, I’ve really enjoyed special cigars when I’ve made an impromptu decision to smoke them. Like it’s just a Tuesday evening and been a good day, fark it, I’ll have the last of those Siglo IV. They’ve been the magic moments I remember. Perhaps less expectations, perhaps that unexpected reward - who knows. 

[Chibearsv]

11 hours ago, Fuzz said:

Out of the 3 FOH MOY, I'm the only registered minister....

But John's got that heavenly glow.  It may have dimmed a bit though, since the haircut.

And Chas.... well, he wears a helmet with horns.

[Ford2112]

11 hours ago, Chibearsv said:

But John's got that heavenly glow.  It may have dimmed a bit though, since the haircut.

Bring back the hair and beard. It was legendary!