It is important that you and your partner support each other when making difficult decisions or going through difficult periods during your life. One such time is when your partner makes the decision to stop smoking cigarettes. It will be a difficult time for them and they will need your help and support to ensure that they succeed. In this article I discuss four ways that you can assist your partner on their quest to quit smoking.
1) JOIN HIM OR HER:- Obviously, this only applies if you are a smoker also but if you do smoke this is a tremendous way to support your partner. By making up the decision to give up with them you will be going through the same things that they go through (withdrawal symptoms, cravings etc) and therefore truly understand. You will also be able to support each other when times get tough and hopefully improve both of your chances of succeeding.
If you are not a smoker you could maybe try making another sacrifice to support your partner. Maybe you could lose some weight? Perhaps you could give up coffee? Even better, why not ask your partner what they would like you to do for them whilst they are giving up smoking. This shows that you fully support them in their decision and are prepared to make a sacrifice of your own to help them succeed.
2) BE AWARE OF THE TRIGGERS WHICH MAY ENCOURAGE SMOKING:- Most people who smoke encounter scenarios which subconsciously lead to them craving a cigarette. If you and your partner can determine what these triggers are you can then both try and avoid them. There are a number of triggers that are very common to most smokers.
One such trigger is social settings. Many smokers are more inclined to light up in social settings, particularly where there are other smokers around. If this is the case then you could both try going to places that are smoke free.
Another common trigger is smoking paraphernalia. To avoid this being an issue do a clean sweep of your house and make sure that all paraphernalia associated with smoking is removed including; cigarettes, lighters, matches, pipes, tobacco, filters, papers and ashtrays. By removing objects associated with smoking you are not just removing a potential trigger. You are also making it more difficult for your partner to actually smoke should they get the urge.
3) TAKE UP A NEW ACTIVITY TOGETHER:- One of the best ways to take a smoker’s mind of smoking is to do something new. This will take their mind of cigarettes and focus it on this new and exciting activity. If you start the activity with your partner it will make them much more likely to stick at it and also give you an opportunity to spend some quality time together.
4) STAY POSITIVE:- If you are positive about your partner’s decision to quit smoking it will make them positive too and seriously improve their chances of success. You may find it difficult to stay positive at times because they are likely to be grumpy or miserable whilst craving a cigarette. However, if you give in and be grumpy and miserable back to them you will just make them want a cigarette that little bit more. If you stay bright and positive, even when you don’t feel like it, you will be a great help to your partner.
Remember that quitting smoking is very difficult, especially when doing it alone. By providing support to your partner you are making it much more pleasant. I am not saying it will be easy but your support may be just what your partner needs to finally overcome their addiction.