Your friends may pressure you to stop smoking if you currently smoke cigarettes. They probably mean well and want to protect your health, but it can be annoying if you don't want to quit or are not ready to do so. Sometimes you must be firm with them to get them to stop the peer pressure. You don't have to be rude, but you can use assertive techniques to stop their nagging.
Step 1
Reply to your friends with a question when they apply peer pressure. Your natural instinct might be to defend yourself or justify your smoking. Instead, if they said, "You really should quit smoking," ask something that puts them on the defensive. For example, you might ask, "Why do you feel the need to judge my behavior?"
Step 2
Express appreciation for your friends' concern and draw a boundary on the smoking issue. For example, they might respond to your initial question with, "We're worried about your health. Smoking is very bad for you." Say something like, "I appreciate your concern for me, but I would also appreciate it if you'd stop bringing up this subject. Will you agree not to mention my smoking again?"
Step 3
Deflect further attempts to talk about the subject. The Essential Life Skills coaching website explains that you have a right to consider certain topics unacceptable and let others know when they cross the line. Your friends might say, "But it really worries us." Stand firm and state that you understand their feelings but you don't want to discuss quitting. Tell them it is a personal subject and ask them to respect your wishes.
Step 4
Promise your friends that you will seek their help if you do decide to quit. Your peers can be a valuable source of support when you are fighting cigarette cravings, according to the American Academy of Family Physicians. Tell them, "If I ever stop smoking, you will be the first to know, and I hope you'll be willing to help me through it."
Tips and Warnings
- Your friends may be bothered by your smoking, but they may be reluctant to tell you the real reason for their peer pressure. Help them feel comfortable opening up to you by questioning them directly. For example, say, "You tell me I should quit smoking a lot. Does it bother you when I smoke around you? Is there something else about it that bothers you?" You can come up with a solution if you know the real issue. For example, you can agree to go outside or step away from your friends to have a cigarette if they promise not to pressure you about quitting.
