subject: Are You A Rebel Smoker? How To Assert Yourself And Stop Smoking. [print this page] This article is not about your usual sort of quit smoking tips. It addresses the issue indirectly by looking at the way some use the smoking habit a way of asserting themselves by continuing to smoke.
Who are you trying to annoy or make a point with? It is not unusual for teenagers to start smoking in order to look grown up and cool, or to rebel against authority. As adults a smoker may have gotten into the habit of using smoking to make a stand and assert their independence.
Fight with the wife? Having a cigarette is a great way of getting some space and showing you cant tell me what to do - Ill show you!
Leave your desk for a smoke? Just letting the boss know you cant control me, Im my own person.
You know it annoys that person so much and you get so much satisfaction from making your point.
But at what cost, is it truly worth it? What if you could find another way to assert yourself that doesnt harm you? The first step is to take a look at why you need to assert yourself by smoking. What is happening in the situation that upsets you and makes you feel the need to make the smoking gesture? What is going on in your relationship that is not being talked about or otherwise dealt with?
If something is making you angry or resentful it may be wise to take a look at what this is and clear it up once and for all. Perhaps you hate your job? Is your boss rude or unfair but you dont feel you can stand up to them? Is your partner doing something that you feel is wrong or hurtful but you havent worked out a solution or a way to tell them how you feel?
These situations lead to anger and resentment. If they are not addressed directly a person will usually find a way to communicate it indirectly.
Do you feel your life is out of control, youre unhappy so feel you may as well get some fun out of it? Quit smoking tips are all very well but if you dont solve the underlying problem you may still find it hard to know how to stop smoking successfully.
It is well worth getting some help to explore this area. Spending some time getting this right will save you suffering through multiple unsuccessful quit attempts because you do not realise why you are not willing to let it go.
No-one is asking you to become a doormat and let people walk all over you. Just think of how you can be assertive and retain your self-respect in a healthy way. Not only will your health benefit, your relationships will too and they will love and respect you all the more for that.
