1
Communicate your quitting plans
- Tell every one of your closest friends that you’ve decided to quit smoking and ask for their help.
- Assure them you are not asking them to quit too.
- Ask them not to smoke around you. Let them know that if they light up, you’ll leave.
- Be sure to point out that you’d like your home to remain smoke-free.
- Explain that you can only take non-smoking breaks with them.
- Tell them not to ask you to buy, carry or hold cigarettes for anyone.
2
Determine if you can still be together during your quit
- Do your friends make you feel good about yourself and what you’re trying to do? Or do they tease you and offer a puff or two as a joke?
- Do they refrain from smoking and buying cigarettes when you’re together?
- Do they keep their lighters and cigarettes out of sight?
- Will they join you for smoke-free activities like movies instead of a bar?
3
Be ready for when a friend innocently offers you a cigarette
Have a ‘no thanks!’ response prepared. Here are a few ideas:
- Smoking costs me a fortune each year — I’m quitting so I can afford a new car.
- I have a new job I love and can’t smoke there, so I’d rather give up smoking.
- I’m with someone who doesn’t like kissing a smoker.
- No thanks, I decided I wanted to be able to taste the food I’m eating once again.