Thanks so much for sharing your story, flowerpot.
I can identify with much of what you say.
For years when I was smoking, I hid it because my family and most of the partners in my life didn't smoke or disapproved of it mightily.
Oh, boy! Can I identify with all the "sneaking, dunking, spritzing" behavior! And, I understand how draining all of that can be.
I also know what you mean about having few shoulders to lean on or brag to about your quit. That's one of the unfortunate things about being so "skilled" at hiding the habit. If you're really good, no one knows! ;p
What's really ironic about all of this is that after years and years of being a "closet smoker" and being with partners who abhorred smoking, the person I'm with now that I've quit, smokes!
Even more amusing is the fact that when we first started dating, he asked me if I smoked. (At that time I did, and I honestly answered, "yes, but I try not to.").
Why did he ask me? Because he was sick and tired of people "dismissing" him before they even had a chance to get to know him because he smoked.
Boy, I can identify with that concern, too!
Will he decide to quit as well? I wish that he would -- simply because I want us to have as many years as we can together.
But, like with your friends, I realize [u]he[/u] has to make that decision and stick to it on his own.
So what's the moral of the story? Nothing earth-shattering besides the fact that we all have a lot to gain and share by being here at SSC.
You're off to a great start, flowerpot. Keep it up and before you know it, you'll be truly free!
Best,
Livadia
[B]My Milage:[/B]
[B]My Quit Date: [/B] 6/18/2006
[B]Smoke-Free Days:[/B] 61
[B]Cigarettes Not Smoked:[/B] 1,220
[B]Amount Saved:[/B] $305
[B]Life Gained:[/B]
[B]Days:[/B] 7 [B]Hrs:[/B] 2 [B]Mins:[/B] 56 [B]Seconds:[/B] 2
-
Quit Meter
$44,958.96
Amount Saved
-
Quit Meter
Days: 756
Hours: 6
Minutes: 50
Seconds: 46
Life Gained
-
Quit Meter
6092
Smoke Free Days
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Quit Meter
243,680
Cigarettes Not Smoked
