It's tough to watch your loved one smoke. And it's understandable that you want them to quit. Here are a few things to consider before you talk to them about it.
Sometimes a gentle approach is best.
They need to be ready to quit.
Making the decision to quit – and then actually quitting – is a really big deal. It’s completely normal to want your friend, partner or relative to stop smoking, but they need to be ready and motivated to do it for their own reasons.
Have a conversation.
Try talking to them calmly about the reasons why you want them to quit, whether it’s for family or their health or financial reasons. Keep in mind that cigarettes are highly addictive and quitting is a difficult process.
Don’t get involved in an argument about smoking.
Most smokers already know that smoking is bad for their health, expensive and is becoming less socially acceptable. Disagreements often make smokers more defensive and more likely to insist on their right to smoke.
Don't be over the top.
While you might be tempted to push your loved one to quit, remember that less is more. They probably already feel guilty about smoking and understand the costs to their health and bank balance.
Quitline is great.
Quitline is a highly effective, confidential, telephone-support service. Quitline counsellors are friendly and they have lots of experience. They've spoken to thousands of people, each at different stages of their quitting journey. It might be helpful to let your friend or loved one know that Quitline is really successful and that most callers are very satisfied with their Quitline experience.
Quitline can also talk to you about how to support a friend or loved one.