Are You Living a "Vice-Free" Life? An Online Discussion Explores Habits and Hustle
A recent social media discussion ignited a fascinating and often candid conversation about personal habits, temptations, and what it truly means to live without "vices." Prompted by a user's straightforward question, the online community delved into how individuals manage stress, pursue interests, and define what constitutes a harmful habit in a demanding modern world.
The original poster, whose provocative username caught the attention of many, initiated the thread by asking: "Anyone here with no vices? Eat (alot), drink (alcoholism), go call chicken (geylang or online), gambling." They sought serious responses, querying those without vices about their interests and destressing methods, and asking former vice-havers how they broke free.
The discussion quickly revealed two main camps, alongside some humorous and cynical takes on life's true "vices."
The "No Vice" Advocates: Practicality, Prevention, and Positive Pursuits
For many, a vice-free existence wasn't necessarily a moral choice but a practical one, often dictated by circumstance. A user pointed out a common reality:
You need energy/time/money to get into vices. After work OT too tired to do anything already. No energy go out to eat, drink alcohol also rather just sleep, call chicken also too tired end up fall asleep, gamble also no mood to think when playing.
Another user echoed similar sentiments, stating practical reasons for avoiding common vices:
Hated losing money hence gambling is minimal or amounts which I can lose eg CNY cards. Hate spending money on alcohol and the taste kinda suck so rarely spend on it. Hate the smell of cigarette hence no question there and there isn’t any benefit to smoking.
For others, the decision stemmed from past negative experiences, often observed in loved ones. One commenter shared a powerful personal motivation:
No vice too, see my dad destroy his family because of gambling is enough.
Many without traditional vices highlighted alternative, healthier ways to spend their time and de-stress. A user simply stated:
I don't do any of the above. No drugs too. I just run. Sorry, boring person here.
Other activities mentioned included gaming, sports, exercise, shopping, reading, and crafts, leading one user to conclude:
You do not need vice activities to enjoy life. Gaming, play sports, exercise, shopping, reading, crafts... are all legal activities.
Breaking Free and Redefining "Vice"
Some participants bravely shared their journeys of overcoming past vices. One user provided a detailed account of leaving behind high-stakes mahjong, frequenting sex workers, and excessive eating, smoking, and drinking. They attributed their transformation to maturity, getting married, and the realization of the toll these habits took on their health and career. This individual commented:
Why stopped? First and foremost, by the time i got married i had enough of these fun vices... Over the years saw my body shape took a toll from all the gluttony, smoke and drink. It almost cost me my career a few times. So summed up the courage and will to stop. This year is my 20th wedding anniversary and also about 22 years since i quitted all these vices.
The conversation also explored the evolving definition of "vice" in modern life. Some suggested that new forms of digital consumption could also be considered vices, with one user musing:
Is staying up late and reading reddit a vice? Haha if so then, I'm guilty 😔
Another simply declared:
Reddit is my drug.
And in a candid admission, one user discussed their "vice" as "Happy Ending massages" in Thailand, believing it to be less destructive to their mental and physical health compared to other listed vices. They commented:
I just enjoy talking to these people and then have them rub me so I can give them a good tip. That’s about my vice; I don’t drink or gamble or even smoke. I find happy ending less destructive to me mental and physical health as compare to the other vices.
A Deeper Look at Societal "Vices"
Perhaps the most thought-provoking contributions came from those who satirically reframed the concept of vices, suggesting that everyday societal pressures are the true consuming habits. A user offered a biting critique:
Wah, got so many vice leh: Study until die – Tuition, exam, GPA... then get degree just to kena underpaid useless job... Work until die – 9 to 6 become 9 to 9. Overtime is free, boss say "team spirit."... Unhappy marriage for 45 years, stay for the kids – Cos nothing says love like mutual resentment and awkward family dinners.
This perspective highlights the demanding nature of life for many, implying that the struggle for survival and societal conformity might be the most pervasive "vices" of all.
The online discussion ultimately painted a rich and varied picture of how individuals navigate their desires, responsibilities, and the relentless pace of life. It underscored that what constitutes a "vice" is deeply personal, often shaped by financial constraints, past experiences, and the search for effective, albeit sometimes unconventional, ways to cope and find joy. The thread left many pondering: in a world that constantly demands more, what truly brings release, and at what cost?