How To Visit Friends That Smoke when You Are a Non Smoker
If you're a non-smoker who has trouble being around cigarette smoke, it may be hard to bring it up when you visit someone.On the other hand, if you have recently quit smoking, you want to make sure you stick to it.Being around friends who smoke can make it harder, so you want to bring it up with them.You want to approach the subject of not smoking around you with grace and honesty so that you don't offend your friends.
Step 1: Tell the truth.
To broach the topic directly is one way to deal with the situation.Bring it up if they don't smoke around you.It's helpful to back up what you're saying with reasons why you don't like secondhand smoke.If you didn't smoke around me while I was here, I'd really appreciate it.The smell of secondhand smoke gives me headaches.It makes things muddier if you're a guest in their home.They have a right to do what they want in their home.
Step 2: Do you have any health problems?
Bring up any health problems you have that are made worse by smoking in order to encourage others not to smoke around you.Smoking can make an asthmatic's condition worse.If you have a health problem, most smokers will understand.Would you mind not doing it around me if I were to allow you to smoke?I have asthma, and cigarette smoke makes it worse.
Step 3: Remove yourself.
When someone lights up, take yourself away for a minute.You don't want to be around cigarette smoke so you're just moving yourself.Most people like this approach.You could say " Enjoy your smoke!" when someone lights up.I don't like being around cigarette smoke so I'm going to go outside for a while.
Step 4: If you have an allergy, try a mask.
It is possible to take an allergy mask with you.Pick one that is made to help filter out smoke.If you explain why you want to use it, your friends should understand.Even if they're not smoking around you, you need to wear it in the house.Even though you aren't smoking around me, the smoke will bother my allergies.I hope you don't mind me wearing a mask.You could make it more general if you wanted.You could say, "My allergies have been getting worse lately, so I've been wearing an allergy mask all the time to help slow them down."You could bring some eyedrops, water, allergy medication, and a couple of aspirin to combat the effects of the smoke.Smoke can cause allergy-like symptoms, such as itchy eyes, throat, and nose.Think about how you've dealt with smoke in the past and bring supplies to treat the symptoms.
Step 5: If you can hang out outside, ask.
When it is for an outdoor event like a BBQ or pool party, you should only visit your friends' house.You can even offer to bring the burger patties if your friend invites you to hang out.Third-hand smoke can build up on furniture, carpets, walls, and other surfaces when people smoke indoors.Second-hand smoke is still a concern even when smoking outside, so you might still want to excuse yourself when your friend lights up.
Step 6: When you first quit, don't visit them.
You don't want to stop being friends with people you like, but in the first couple of weeks after you quit, you may want not to visit them.Don't hurt their feelings by turning down their offers, just be honest with them.If you're first starting out, it's important to avoid going to see these friends if possible.
Step 7: You should tell your friends and family.
It's important that you have the support of your friends and family.They can help remind you to stop smoking, and act as support if you need it.You should tell your friends that you've quit smoking, but if they still encourage you to smoke, it can be helpful to have another friend or family member with you.Someone will defend you if you need it.
Step 8: Ask your friends if they would like to quit.
It has to be a personal choice to quit smoking, but sometimes quitting together can make it easier for everyone.Before you go visit your friends, try to broach the topic.You could say, "I've decided to stop smoking."I was wondering if you would want to try it with me.It would be great if we could all keep each other accountable.If you know they're thinking about quitting, this tactic will work best.
Step 9: Ask your friends not to smoke.
If they are good friends, they will respect the fact that you're trying to get healthier.It can help if they put cigarettes out of sight.I want you to know that I am not judging your choices.I was wondering if you would be willing to not smoke around me or take it outside while I'm here, since I decided to quit smoking.It's difficult for me to not be around cigarette smoke.
Step 10: Say "no" in practice.
It can be hard to say no to your friends.If your friends ask you to smoke with them, you need to be able to stand up for yourself, even if you're an adult.It is possible to stay strong by practicing ahead of time.Stand in front of the mirror and say no.Say, "No, thank you, I wouldn't like a smoke."
Step 11: "Just one won't hurt" is not a good line.
Don't believe this line, whether you're saying it to yourself or one of your friends.You crave cigarettes even more if you have one cigarette.It's better to not do anything at all.
Step 12: Don't smoke in non-smoking places.
Pick a place that doesn't allow smoking if you are going to meet your friends there.Unless your friends ask you to smoke with them, the topic may not even come up.It's easier to refuse in a non-smoking environment than it is a smoking one.
Step 13: It's a good idea to make new friends.
If you want to hang out with people who don't smoke, you need to make some new friends.If you only socialize with smokers, it's going to be hard to quit.You need to make new friends who aren't smokers.If you want to meet new people, join a local club or ask someone at work to dinner.
Step 14: You should plan an activity.
Keeping yourself busy can help distract you from smoking.It will help you stay out of the habit of smoking if you choose something to do that is different from what you normally do.You don't want to impose so make sure to clear it with your friends.
Step 15: There is something in your mouth.
Some people like the sensation of having something in their mouth.You might need to come prepared if you're in this group.lollipops or gum could be used.toothpicks, straws, or even cinnamon sticks could be used.
Step 16: There is something for your hand.
Some people have something in their mouth while others don't.Try a substitute like a pencil, coin, or worry stone.People are playing with their jewelry.It's possible to distract yourself from wanting to smoke by holding something.
Step 17: The trick is using the rubber band.
There is a rubber band on your wrist.Make sure it's not tight.It can be a bit loose.Pop it to remind you not to smoke.If someone else asks you to smoke, you can use this trick.
Step 18: You should remind yourself why you want to quit.
It can be hard to remember why you are quitting if your friends go out to smoke.Have your reasons in your head for quitting.You can keep a visual reminder on you.Maybe you want to quit for your health and family.It's possible to keep a picture of your family on hand.