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Relationships are common reasons why people start or continue to smoke. Maybe you grew up around smokers and it seemed natural for you to smoke, too. Maybe your partner smokes and it’s a way that you spend time together. The important people in your life can also be a key to your success in quitting. You might even be surprised by how much help they can be.
Tell Them You’re Quitting
Quitting is hard. It’s OK to ask for help. If you let people close to you know you’re trying to quit, you can tell them what will help you be successful. Be specific—say exactly what you need from them. Here are some suggestions about what to ask of your friends, family, and co-workers:
- Be supportive: Some people may be able to quit on their own, but many need help and support. Ask friends, family, and loved ones to be there for you during this time.
- Understand your change in mood: Mood changes are common after women quit smoking. Remind the people around you that this is temporary. You can say, “The longer I go without smoking, the sooner I’ll be back to my old self.”
- Offer distractions: Most people have cravings when they quit smoking. Your friends and family can distract you until the craving passes. Ask them to help you come up with a list of things to do.
- Celebrate with you: Ask friends and family to help you celebrate your smokefree successes – like throwing away your cigarettes, setting a quit date, and reaching milestones like being smokefree for three days. Even if you slip or relapse, you can still celebrate all the cigarettes you didn’t smoke!
- Quit with you: Does someone close to you smoke? Quitting can be easier with support, so ask them to quit with you. If they’re not ready, ask them not to smoke around you or let you bum a cigarette.
