Nicotine and dating have been an odd, often at odds, combo for both genders. Both sides of the crowd have been divided on nicotine pouches and their implications for the dating scene. Some have supported these pouches for their role as alternatives, while others criticize them for their addictive properties.
I want to discern the facts from fiction. We'll look at everything these pouches do to dating prospects and how both genders view it. For a brief overview:
- Nicotine pouches do not have a positive impact on attractiveness
- Nicotine pouches are addictive and can control your thought process
- Brands like ZYN and VELO are smoke-free alternatives to cigarettes
- Dating preferences are very subjective and vary by region
Do Nicotine Pouches Affect Dating Prospects?
The people's opinions on nicotine pouches and dating are divided. Popular polls on Reddit confirmed this, with strong support for both sides of the argument. There are no specific surveys on nicotine pouch perception, but nicotine does have some negative social connotations.
1. Nicotine Pouches and Attractiveness
Nicotine pouches do not affect physical attractiveness in any way. A nicotine pouch won't give you a jaw line or wrinkly skin, so the attractiveness conversation doesn't apply. However, the negative social connotations could alter your partner's perception.
At this point, it's a game of what-if, because every human being is different. People have varying cultural backgrounds and ideals. For example, someone from Scandinavia or Sweden won't even bat an eye at nicotine use, while people in Malaysia or Canada might not like it.
There are no fixed standards of perception for nicotine pouches. They change based on your locality, the age group, and cultural differences.
2. Nicotine Pouches and Dates
Overall, nicotine pouches are much better for dates than cigarettes, vapes, or other nicotine products. Nicotine pouches are smoke-free, spit-free, and discreet. It makes them unnoticeable and perfect for people who want to keep their consumption a private affair.
Here are some of the benefits of nicotine pouches for dating:
- No Smoke: Nicotine pouches are a smoke-free alternative to cigarettes and vapes. You won't have to leave a conversation to curb your cravings.
- No Smell: The notorious and pungent post-smoking odor isn't a new thing. Nicotine pouches free you from this smell and the glares of your date.
- More Discreet: Nicotine pouches come in slim formats, which are unnoticeable. You can place these pouches under your upper lip, and no one will notice.
Nicotine Effects and Dating Turn-Offs
Nicotine has multiple negative and positive side effects. Some of these can make dating a bit easier, while others are a turn-off. Let's look at the biggest dating icks and nicotine pouches:
Bad Breath: Keeps Your Date Away
Most nicotine products, like cigarettes, chewing dip, vapes, and even some nicotine pouches, can give you bad breath and some other oral health problems. I find nothing more revolting than bad breath, because it defines personal hygiene and a user's lifestyle. According to the Oral Health Foundation, 80% of people did not want a second date with people suffering from bad breath.
Another study published in the NCBI states that about 75% of people with bad breath go to a dentist because of social pressure, insecurity, and lack of self-confidence. Chances are, your date won't like bad breath.
Pale Color: That Tan Rizz Won't Work
Using nicotine reduces the blood flow to your skin, which means your dating app profile pictures might seem weird. However, most of the recent research is about the pallor induced by smoking. People who have been using nicotine pouches have not reported a change in skin color.
We cannot deny the risk of pallor induced by nicotine pouches. However, the topic requires further research before we can make a decisive conclusion. Currently, we can say that nicotine pouches do not affect the pigmentation of your lips, unlike cigarettes.
The concentration of tar and heat from cigarettes can cause "smoker's lips." It's a condition where your lips gain a dark color because of blood supply constrictions and melanin. Nicotine pouches do not cause acne, pigmentation, or changes in lip color.
Libido: Well, That's Something
Nicotine use negatively affects libido by causing dysfunction, anxiety, and depression. Nicotine is a stimulant that fundamentally changes your reward center by flooding your body with dopamine. It changes your attraction and thinking patterns.
Nicotine also has a vasoconstrictor effect, which reduces blood supply to vital organs. These effects are more pronounced with cigarettes and other heated forms of nicotine, like vapes. The excess toxins and carbon monoxide thin your arteries, causing problems like erectile dysfunction.
Other Nicotine Products and Dating
Unsurprisingly, most other nicotine products like cigarettes, vapes, hookahs, and snus are dealbreakers in dating. They aren't a dealbreaker for everyone, but a vast majority do not like them.
Let's look at the stigma and facts surrounding these other nicotine products.
Cigarette Smokers and Dating
Cigarette smoking is often deemed unattractive by the vast majority of people. The three main reasons are:
- Bad Odor: Cigarette smoke leaves a bad smell on your body, including your hands, clothes, and mouth. Research conducted by the University of Nebraska found that non-smokers found smokers less attractive. The same study also found that smokers enjoy the company of other smokers.
- Dental Hygiene: Cigarettes can cause various oral problems like rotten teeth, receding gums, and thickened bile. According to a study, visible dental decay can cause low self-esteem, lack of confidence, and social isolation. It ruins your dating prospects and makes you seem less attractive.
- Skin Conditions: Cigarette smokers often have pale gray skin because cigarettes reduce blood supply to the skin. It gives you a grayish tint, which makes you seem less attractive. Cigarette smoke can also exacerbate existing skin conditions like acne and psoriasis.
These are some of the direct effects of cigarettes on dating. Other effects include an overall negative perception because of growing awareness. According to Truth Initiative, about 55% of US smokers attempted to quit cigarettes in 2021.
With growing awareness about smoking hazards, most people view cigarettes through a negative lens. Naturally, you should quit smoking if you want to have a good first date.
Vapes and Dating
According to a survey by the University of Alabama, non-smokers and females are less likely to believe vapes are less harmful than cigarettes. Vapes and e-cigarettes are generally considered a no-no in dating. These flavored products had considerable popularity in 2015 as a harmless cigarette alternative.
Research over the next few years proved that vaping is just as dangerous as cigarettes. In 2021, 70 adults and teens were hospitalized for vaping-related lung injuries called EVALI. This growing risk and obnoxious promotional tactics gave people the icks.
Chewing Tobacco and Dating
Unsurprisingly, chewing tobacco is considered less attractive compared to cigarettes. Chewing tobacco refers to a piece of dry or cured tobacco that users place in their cheeks. Over time, the product produces a drip that you have to spit out.
Unsurprisingly, most partners find this very unattractive. The spitting out part doesn't sit well with most people because of social perception. That was one of the reasons why people switched to spit-free nicotine pouches like ZYN and VELO.
What Do the People Say About Dating and Nicotine?
The opinions of the masses are divided on this subject. Some believe it's a substitute for cigarettes, which makes it a viable option for their partners.
Others believe nicotine pouches are disgusting and a no-go on a date with someone. Most people don't like the reliance and addiction that comes packaged with modern oral products like nicotine pouches.
The wider audience of adult singles agrees that cigarette use is much more hazardous. However, they don't agree that nicotine pouches are a risk-free alternative to cigarettes.
Breakdown of Conversations on Reddit
We broke down each conversation to find the percentage of people for and against nicotine pouches. Here's what the people said:
| Reddit Conversation | Percentage in Favor of Pouches | Percentage Against Pouches |
| Feelings about a partner using nicotine pouches | 41.7% | 58.3% |
| Switching from vapes to ZYNs | 66% | 34% |
There are countless other debates and buzz around nicotine pouches. And I highly recommend reading and understanding them openly to get a better idea. Right now, the goal posts keep changing, and the crowd is as divided as ever.
Dos and Don'ts of Nicotine Pouches While Dating
If you're getting ready for a date on any day of the week, here are some things you should and shouldn't do:
| Dos | Don'ts |
| Be forthright and honest, tell your date you use these products when the topic comes around | Do not use a nicotine pouch or product while you're on a date |
| Rinse your mouth, take a breath freshener, even if you don't use nicotine pouches | Do not talk primarily about nicotine pouches, it's a habit, not your whole personality |
| Use good perfume or cologne, that's just basic etiquette | Do not try to justify your nicotine pouch use like a fanatic |
FAQs
What are the negatives of nicotine pouches?
Nicotine pouches have negative effects like addiction, brain fog, depression, anxiety, and heart problems. These effects are common to all nicotine and traditional tobacco products. You have to be careful about nicotine pouch use to avoid these side effects.
Does nicotine increase testosterone?
Nicotine pouches increase testosterone in the short term, but decrease it in the long term. Nicotine use for prolonged periods can reduce testosterone because of oxidative stress and vasoconstriction. The links between nicotine and testosterone require more research.
Do nicotine pouches cause permanent damage?
Yes, nicotine pouch abuse can cause permanent damage, particularly because of its vasoconstrictor effect. These pouches have long-term effects on mood and mental disorders. As a pouch user, you must be careful with consumption to avoid these side effects.
Do nicotine pouches affect fertility?
Yes, nicotine pouches and nicotine in general can negatively affect fertility. For males, this side effect manifests by reducing the quality of sperm and its movement. Nicotine also changes the concentration of estradiol and progesterone, which are crucial hormones for female fertility.
Bottom Line on Nicotine Pouches and Dating
Nicotine pouches are a contentious topic for both genders. They have benefits compared to cigarettes, vapes, and other products. You can carry around and use nicotine pouches much more easily compared to combustible products.
Nicotine pouches and products have a stigma attached to them. People don't like them because of their cultural and societal values. However, people do understand their role as an alternative to more harmful forms of nicotine.
Currently, people have divided opinions about nicotine pouch consumers. Irrespective of the arguments, I only recommend using pouches as a means to quit cigarettes and vapes. Do not be consumed by nicotine, and do not make it your whole life.
