EX Community

I remember a friend coaxing me into smoking when I was about 12 yrs. old. At the time, it seemed daring. Before long I was sneaking cigarettes alone. I remained a closet smoker through high school, college, and for seventeen years of my career. Even before it became politically incorrect, I was ashamed of it. It didn't fit the image I wanted others to have of me. As an introverted, over-achiever, cigarettes became my constant companion, my support group, and my reward system. Finally, after thirty years as a smoker, I quit to please my fiance. We got married and started a family. I couldn't have been happier. Three years later, when signs of weakness presented themselves in my wife's commitment to our marriage, I returned to my old friend and support system with whom to commiserate. That didn't help matters. My divorce was finalized two days ago, and I decided to make that my divorce date with cigarettes as well. I have two young children for whom to grow old and for whom to set an example. And besides, between my wife and my attorney, I really can't afford to smoke anymore anyway.