One is the loneliest number that you’ll ever do… have you been feeling a bit like this lately?
Looking back fondly, you remember the good old days of thick fog, the scent of smoke on your hair and overloaded ashtrays everywhere but, you mostly remember the laughter and chit chat from your group of pals who once stood proudly by your side.
United we stand, divided we fall.
But, times are a-changing and since the introduction of the smoking ban, less and less people smoke. It’s no fun going solo and being the only smoker in your group you can probably relate to ALL of the below.
1. Billy no mates
You’re forced to make conversation with yourself because there’s no one in the beer garden. The pubs emptied and never refilled and your posse of pals who you drank and smoked with regularly vanished and haven’t been seen since 2006. There’s only one thing to do…
2. The eye of judgement We all have friends and family who hate on us for smoking. No matter how many times they nag you to stop and no matter how many times you try to and fail, they just won’t let it go.
They don’t mean it but they just can’t help themselves. Non smokers think they’re better than you. Those endless conversations with them telling you it’s bad for your health – but they’re probably onto something, right? 
3. Looking older and less desirable than the rest
Yes, cigarettes do make your skin age faster so when you do actually all get together you’re standing out like a sore thumb in a group of baby faced gloaters. When you take a drag you suddenly feel a sense of calm relief but your skin is SCREAMING for you to stop.
With every inhale your skin becomes thinner, causing those dreaded lines on your face.
Relationships will come and go but your skin will always be with you so do yourself a favour and show it some LOVE. Go on, you can do it .
4. Smokers breath Constantly buying chewing gum to cover up the stale smell of smoke on your breath. No matter how many you chew, the stench just won’t go away.
5. It turns you into…
Your worst self.
The rage sets in when you realise you’ve ran out of ciggies and there’s no one left to borrow from. Even if you enjoy smoking, whether you know it or not, you’re more than likely addicted. No one wants to think of themselves as a drug addict but if you’re a smoker, you are addicted to a drug.
What else is there to do?
6. Weekend brunches are out of the questions
You’ve never any money to treat yourself, especially not to spend on a weekend brunch with your gal pals. Quitting smoke will save you money and your friendships in the long run. Couldn’t you put your money to better use?
7. Not as fit as you used to be
Weekend hikes are out of the question because your lungs can’t cope. You can’t even run more than two minutes to the bus without feeling like you’re going to collapse. With each day passing, you’re that bit further out from the circle.
You know, a lot of smokers aren’t successful the first few times they try to quit but don’t let that stop you.
Once upon a time, smoking was considered cool, sexy and good for your health but now it’s frankly just rank. There are so many reasons to quit: as well as the fact that smoking is terrible for your health, it’s expensive, ruins your skin, wrecks your teeth and is generally gross and unpleasant.
You’re probably thinking “I just can’t do it…” but believe it or not, the cravings wont last forever.
