Good question, I never contemplated what my pipes are to me. Now that I am thinking about it, they are a hobby that keeps me entertained. I love buying them, I love buying new tobacco for them. I love smoking them, and most of all I love that they take the place of a woman. I have been single since 2006 and in that time, I have had a few relationships that if I honestly look at them, were only for the sex. I put up with more inane drivel just to get laid and since I took up my pipes again, I do not miss it. I have been extremely content in my life since I decided I am going to take a long break from the ladies. Now I wake up, I make my coffee, I grab a pipe and decide what I want to smoke. I jump on the computer and check out this place. I have my kids to keep me plenty busy and life is good.