My first big test today - social event

[nsd_user663_3209]

Hi all

I'm starting to fell a little apprehensive about today. It will be the first time I have been out for a few drinks with friends (some of them smokers).

Anyone got any advice on staying strong?

Cheers

Bob

[nsd_user663_1733]

Hi Bob

Cant really help cos dont go out ( sad I know ) But I been with lots and lots of smokers work with 5. Just keep strong you will feel so proud of your self when you get back home. But remember to enjoy it will be a lot easyer Im sure with the ban in place. Good luck and please come on and brag how well you done HeHe

[nsd_user663_2497]

Yeah remember to just try and relax and enjoy yourself, if you spend the whole time nervous and worrying about it, you'll feel worse and will end up constantly thinking about them! Try not to be around 'them' when smoking, stick with the non smokers.

The key really is just relax, dont force any 'stay strong' mindset on yourself, just let it flow.

[nsd_user663_2931]

Just go out and enjoy yourself! It'll be cool. As others have said, we should not avoid our triggers. We need to face them so that each time they are faced they have that bit less impact on us. One of my 'best' cigs was the first one of the day (no way you can avoid THAT trigger unless you just never woke up :eek but now, 4 weeks after stopping, I no longer associate a fag with my first cuppa of the day.

We just have to face our addiction head on and we will get to the other end

[nsd_user663_3209]

Well I managed get through my first social event last night without giving in to the nicodemon.

I was pleasantly surprised on how well it went.

It was a nice sunny day so my party of friends decided to go to a beer garden. My first thought was "shoot they will all be smoking outside " and lots more people in the beer garden were too.

So I made it clear from the start to my friends that I was now a happy non smoker so not to offer me any cancer sticks.

What happened over the rest of the night totally took me by surprise. I didn't once feel the need to light up. It was the opposite. I was watching my smoking friends going through the night lighting one after the other and all I could think off was "thank goodness I don't do that anymore"

OK that is my rant over for now. I just hope it carries on like this.

[nsd_user663_3209]

Thanks John.

You right about the morning after. Although I had a bit of a fuzzy head this morning it was great not to be stinking of stale smoke and having the tell tale yellow fingers.

I will have to watch out for complacency though. One day at a time

[nsd_user663_2931]

Good job Bob. Great innit not having to smoke. I know I've said this a million times on here already, but I find it amusing that I now have a total aversion to cigs when I see people smoking them urrghh It gives me a real high to know that I am free from them at long last.

Who needs a fag to have a good night out? Come to that, who needs beer? Since I quit, I am way more outgoing and don't need drink to give me a buzz. Its all good.

Although its a good idea to not become too complacent, make sure you feel good too for handling last night so well! You should feel proud of yourself for that!

[nsd_user663_1733]

Well done Mate

I said you would feel proud and you should. Linda xxxx

[nsd_user663_2497]

Bob, well done. Outside in a beer garden too, thats double congratulations there.

If you really watch your friends smoking, you will see that they are mostly not even conscious of most of the fags they smoke and that they actually dont enjoy it. Its just the old nicotine monster making them light up one fag after another.

Absolutely. When I noticed that for the first time it amazed me. That was me once, hell, all of us.

[nsd_user663_3209]

Thanks for all the kinds words of advice folks, It really is helping

[nsd_user663_3170]

Well done, I know I would of tried to avoid that situation and I admire you for how you handled it!. Well Done!