my sis smokes and i want to get her to stop, i know its a personal descicion and tons of people smoke, and she's a grown woman, but i just really want her to stop. she gets really offensive if i ask her about it and dose'nt like it when people tell her the dangers, but how could I get her to stop without her hating me?
2007-03-05 13:49:34 · 4 answers · asked by picklestra 2 in Health ➔ Other - Health
It's almost impossible in today's day and age for anyone who smokes to not be fully aware of the risks involved. Society in general is constantly reminding smokers of the dangers but when someone close brings this to their attention, it may feel like a personal attack about their choices or it may remind them that deep down they hate this about themselves and they worry that others might think less of them because of their habit. The natural reaction is for her to defend herself or to lash out against what may feel like criticism.
The best thing you can do is NOT to put pressure on her to quit. But do the exact opposite... relieve some of the pressure by helping her quit. Approach her gently and without judgement, asking her why she smokes. When both of you understand why, you may better understand her resistance to quitting and will then be in a better position to offer to do whatever it takes to help her beat this. Then be sure to follow through! Help her research methods to quit and come up with a plan that works best for her. Ask her each day how she is doing... if she had a cigarette, then don't criticise... acknowledge the difficulty of quitting, and take it one step at a time. When she falters, be nothing but SUPPORTIVE. Pick her back up with lots of encouragement and positive words.
Always tell her how great she's doing and make sure she knows how proud you are of her for quitting.
(Also, if she is an older sister whom you admire, it may put things into perspective if, one day, wherever she's sitting, you sit near her and nonchalantly toss a package of cigarettes and lighter onto the coffee table/kitchen table... as if you've picked up smoking yourself. She may naturally want to protect you from sharing her bad habit. When she begins to talk about it negatively, resist so she will you press further. You can then explain that you don't smoke but you just wanted her to realize how you feel about her smoking... and it's just because you care about her the way she cares about you and your "smoking". That may be enough to drive the point home and open a discussion about her own habit, in a caring, positive, helpful tone. Pointing out how she felt about the idea of you smoking, explain that her health is as important as yours, and she is as worthy of being a nonsmoker as you are.)
2007-03-05 15:05:47 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Having grown up with smokers and been married to one I can tell you that it is something they have to decide to do. Even telling people (which I do) that if they weren't spending $4.00 plus for a pack they could save that money for other things doesn't help. Ultimately it is the person that has to make the decision and then it's one day at a time. The same quit smoking methods don't work for everyone. The best bet when/if she decides to stop is to support her and not say "I told you so". Hospitals are a phenomenal source for Smoking Cessation programs. Just be patient and keep loving her
2007-03-05 13:59:04 · answer #2 · answered by Mickey 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
"You are my sister, and I love you. It upsets me when you smoke because I worry about the cancer, heart disease and other horrid stuff that are connected to smoking. I do understand it is as hard an addiction to quit as heroin. If there is anything I can do to help you quit, please, let me know. I don't want to loose you. I really do need you in my life."
If that doesn't do it, just quit the nagging and enjoy the time you have with her. Best wishes.
2007-03-05 14:02:09 · answer #3 · answered by Sweet Gran 4 · 0⤊ 2⤋
I quit on Christmas, as a present to myself. There is no way anyone but me could get me to quit. Sorry, but I don't think you can make her quit. Just as no one but me could make me quit. You can encourage all you want, but don't become a nusiance, or she will get angry with you. She, as I did, knows how bad it is for all around her, but it is a VERY personal decision, and trust me, HARD decision to quit. GOOD LUCK
2007-03-05 14:00:49 · answer #4 · answered by Michael B 2 · 1⤊ 1⤋