Hi again everyone.
First of all, thank you all for your comments and thoughts on my post yesterday, they were much appreciated.
Today I wanted to ask about relationships in general with old smoking groups. To give you some context, I feel as if all of the people that I used to smoke with are sort of treating me like I have the plague. I wasn't expecting them to rejoice in me deciding to quit, nor do I need their praise, but it seems like it is something more than that. Today one of my smoking coworkers actually belittled me for quitting! So my questions are 1) anyone experienced this before? 2) how did you handle it? 3) why are the smokers acting like I have the plague??
Any ideas are greatly appreciated.
Thanks for reading.
You might be reinforcing their feelings of inferiority for still smoking. They KNOW it's bad for them - and they may see you as "showing them up" by quitting. They are probably jealous, too. They want what you are giving yourself by quitting.
You might tell them you are disappointed at their reaction and tell them their support would be appreciated. If they still treat you badly, just give yourself a break from them. You might start to hang out with the nonsmokers at social occasions and even at work. Go for a quick walk during your breaks - or join your other coworkers if they take nonsmoking breaks.
Right now your quit needs to be your #1 priority. These folks will still be there when you are further along in your quit and you can join them and not smoke - but that's a ways down the road.
YOU need to be proud of you - each night before you go to sleep, be sure to give yourself a pat on the back for another Day Won!!!
And please know that WE are proud of you, too!
Nancy