@ewwnomore Welcome to the Ex and I'm happy you haven't given up on your desire to quit. It took me 50 years and many attempts, so I know you can do this. Some quitters need to avoid people, places and things early in their quit. If you need to do that to be successful, then that's what's important. Remember, it's only temporary. I was able to be around smokers when I first quit, but I had to avoid my deck the first summer. We're all different and may need to avoid certain triggers. Like @champsin97 said, a good friend will support you but may feel left out for at first. Be honest about how important this is to you and then it's out of your hands how they react.
It's important to understand that nicotine is an addiction. When armed with that knowledge, quitting becomes more possible. There are psychological habits attached also, so we have to work on both. Early on it's the physical addiction we have to work through. The psychological part takes longer. We've attached every emotion and activity with smoking so it takes some work to find new associations to replace the old.
So educate yourself about nicotine and create a quit plan. Along with the support of fellow quitters these two steps has meant success for many smokers.
This link is a great lace to start. Learn how to identify your triggers, the tools you'll use, creating new associations instead of smoking, etc.
https://www.becomeanex.org/guides/?cid=footer_community_linktobex
Make the commitment and you can do this too. We're here to support you on your journey. So reach out anytime you need help, want to share your experience or to support fellow quitters. We're all in this together.
Join many of us on the the Daily Pledge. It's a great way to stay on track on day at a time.
Pick a date, create a plan and join us on your journey to becoming an Ex. You may even influence your friend to quit. It will be the beginning of a new way of life.
Stay busy and stay close.
Barb
