I’m still staying strong!

[emikowo]

It has officially been 1 month and 6 days since I stopped smoking. My anxiety has gone down significantly (with a few flare ups here and there but they are manageable). My sense of smell and taste has changed a lot. With the holidays around the corner literally I’m worried I’ll have another anxiety attack. It tends to happen when I crave a cigarette really bad in the morning to afternoons. My brother in law is a heavy smoker and I can only assume he will be smelling like a giant ashtray when my sister and her family come in for Christmas. How would I deal with the smell? The smell of cigarettes and vape are both agitating and gross to me and I don’t want to be rude. Any thoughts?

[jillygirl Administrator LONG TERM WINNER]

First of all well done on achieving 5 weeks. Fantastic!

As for your Christmas visitors, I would politely ask them to smoke outside or if you have a room you could allocate for them to smoke. Explain you have stopped smoking and that

it makes you feel nauseated when you smell smoke/vapes.

They should respect your wishes.

You could also mention that you dont want to get any chest infections or cancer,

Good luck! 😊🎄🎅💕⭐

[Corrina125 LONG TERM WINNER]

There is no need to be rude emikowo, just remember you were your brother in law 5 weeks ago and others must have felt the same about you.

As Jilly has said just explain that you've stopped smoking and add that it is still early days and that you do not want to be tempted back into smoking.

[TheTabbyCat Administrator LONG TERM WINNER]

Hi emikowo, Super well done for your 5 smoke free weeks.👏 I-m sure you have learnt how to manage your anxiety without smoking.🚭Try to avoid those situations which may cause triggers, take yourself away for some "private time" just 5/10 minutes, and do some deep breathing or what ever you do when a panic attack is on it's way.

I'm sure that you can handle this. As for the smell you good get some air fresheners in.

You're doing really well.👍💪

I wish you a Merry Christmas.🎅🎄xx

[Veteran250 in reply to TheTabbyCat]

Hi emikowo, five weeks smoke🚭free is fantastic 👏👏👏👏 well done!

Jilly, Corrina and tubby have given you good advice, so if your brother in law ignores your wishes, go the other way...... My house, My rules please!

Merry Christmas and a Happy smoke🚭free New Year.😀🎄☃️🎅🏼🤶Xx

[Briarwood Administrator LONG TERM WINNER]

Congrats on your 5 weeks smoke free emikowo🚭👏🏼👏🏼

Delighted to hear you’re staying strong and feeling some of the benefits👍🏼

Lots of good advice already so I’ll just say wishing you a very happy Christmas and a healthy New Year🚭🎄🎄😘

[emikowo LONG TERM WINNER]

Thank you everyone! I got a lot of words of encouragement from my mom today as well so I’m going to do my best and keep him informed. I’m going to stay strong. I’m now experiencing a tiny bit of nausea here and there but it’s not all day and it’s better than feeling anxious all day. I’m drinking water and taking it easy. Hopefully this all passes soon

[ElCannon 8 MONTH WINNER]

Even when I smoked, I wouldn't have anyone smoking inside my home, nor would I smoke inside someone elses.

The effect of second hand smoke has been known for decades and it's perfectly acceptable to ask people to smoke outside because of it; as are other issues such as not wanting your home to smell or have tobacco stains.

I'd politely mention that anyone who smokes must go outdoors when people arrive.

I'm wondering if you might benefit from having a plan to stop you from relapsing if you have a heavy smoker around? Perhaps disappear for a ten mins or so until the smell has gone?

[Hidden]

You got some good advice.. so there's really nothing I can add but have a Merry Christmas hon and stay strong..my money is on you cause you have come to far just to throw it out.. hugs ❣️☺️😎😊... XXX

[Okradon 8 MONTH WINNER]

Hey emikowo.

My family have already arrived and 2-3 smokers included. I decided already that they could smoke indoors if no one objected, as I used to really loathe hosts who shoved me outside. Oddly enough, all of them choose to go outside as they know I’ve quit.

The smell doesn’t worry me so much ; I really thought it would but it just hangs around and I have mentally chosen to ignore it.

There’s a great strength and humility in simply surrendering to our addiction to tobacco and this is my biggest prop.

Sometimes I sneak to my room for a bit of me time, but generally so far I have enjoyed myself.

Nothing is going to destroy my resolve this time.

Keep occupied. Go for a walk. Drink water. But most of all be good to yourself and feel proud.

Happy Christmas 🎄

[Corrina125 LONG TERM WINNER in reply to Okradon]

I just love your way of thinking Okradon, its so calming and reflective. Merry Christmas xx