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1. treepeo

   

   832 posts
   Registered:
   29 Nov 2017
   17 Dec 2018

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   Last week, our firm had a holiday party at a hotel.  There was music playing, and while sitting around the dinner table, a friend of mine came by to talk to me.  She quit smoking about 4 years ago, but lo and behold, she started again.  I knew that immediately because as she leaned in to talk to me, I could smell the smoke on her breath.  And I have to say, it was all I could do not to rear back from her.  I mean, that smoke breath was awful, so awful that I was trying to hold my breath.  Yikes.
   
   Today I went to visit my sister for an hour.  She smokes in her apartment, which is what I did my whole life.  I knew what to expect, so before I went over, I changed into clothes that I was going to throw into the wash.  And am I every glad I did that.  When I got home, I reeked of smoke.  I couldn't stand the smell of my clothes.  I had to take them off and change.
   
   It's amazing how much our sense of smell changes when we quit smoking.  I still don't mind smelling smoke from someone's cigarette on the street.  But on someone's breath or their clothes, yuck.  It's truly disgusting.
   
   This is just one of the many reasons why I am so glad I quit smoking.  I no longer carry that awful stench with me.
2. brieffree

   

   1477 posts
   Registered:
   28 Nov 2017
   17 Dec 2018 in reply to treepeo

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   Hi treepeo
   
   I feel the same, but I get a bit far from them and try to avoid contact.
   Don't forget we quit! not them!
   We feel so much Better in all aspects.
   
   That is why is good to see the difference to build more confidence to keep the quit! And be strong at the right  time!
   
   You did it! So proud!
   
3. madeleine, quit coach

   

   33 posts
   Registered:
   12 Sep 2018
   17 Dec 2018

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   Hi Treepeo and Brieffree! 
   
   Thank you both for sharing your experiences and your strategies of distancing from the cigarette smell! It's not always easy to get away from it, but as was mentioned, what a powerful reminder of the benefits of being smoke free! 
   
   Here's to another smoke-free day,  
   
   Madeleine 

   Last modified on 17 Dec 2018 18:37 by madeleine, quit coach
4. eagerquit

   

   415 posts
   Registered:
   07 Mar 2018
   18 Dec 2018

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   Good Morning!
   
   Thank you for your interesting posts here. The sense of smell certainly does heighten after quitting. I truly appreciate the smell of fresh air at home and while walking along the street. I tend to brace myself when approaching a smoker. I take a deep breath before I get to them, then hold it and let it out after I have passed. The smoke has quite a wide birth around them. I am not sure that I would be able to sit down with a smoker myself. Everyone I associate with is a non-smoker so that isn't an issue. Now that I think of it, I haven't smelled smoke on anyone at the gym where I work out.
   
   Wishing everyone another smoke free day.
   
   Eagerquit
   
5. jeyan

   

   176 posts
   Registered:
   28 Nov 2017
   18 Dec 2018 in reply to eagerquit

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   I agree with you treepeo…. we need to stay away from those smokers.  Always remind ourselves, all it takes is just one of those puffs, and we are back on the cycle again. :)
6. efreeman75

   

   296 posts
   Registered:
   02 Apr 2018
   18 Dec 2018

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   A very interesting topic.  I personally can't believe how far away I can now smell a cigarette.  I can't even find the source of the wretched odour half the time it is so far away.  My neighbour's wife smokes on her back deck, and if I'm outside I know when she is as well.  Here's the thing, I live in the country - there's over 1000 feet of forest between our houses!!!
   
   And to imagine all those years I believed I could cover up the stench with a couple of tic-tacs.
   
   Congrats everybody, we all smell so much better now.
   
7. aurora

   

   94 posts
   Registered:
   08 Mar 2018
   20 Jan 2019

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   Thanks for sharing everyone.
   
   When I smoked, I was so self conscious about how I must have smelled - my breath, my clothes and I noticed I smoked on the street that some people would hold their breath or go wide around.  I felt bad and ashamed, and sometimes even defensive that they were so rude. 
   
   But it is true that it is disgusting and yucky and awful.  
   
   That is among the many reasons that I quit - day 321 today!  And a good reminder to stay humble - treepeo your friend quit 4 years ago and started again.  As much as I think to myself - Never Again - NOPE - and It is behind me, I have to stay humble.  ONE DAY AT A TIME, and avoid those triggers as much as possible.
   
   
8. treepeo

   

   832 posts
   Registered:
   29 Nov 2017
   20 Jan 2019 in reply to aurora

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   Hi aurora,
   
   321 days smoke free - way to go!  What a wonderful accomplishment.  You should be really proud of yourself!
   
   It is really important to remain humble.  We are all addicts, so we can never be complacent.  My friend swore that she would never smoke again, and yet for some reason, she relapsed.  And that is really scary.
   
   I went through a lot that first month of my quit, and I never want to experience that kind of hell again.  So whenever I get a craving, I think about that.  And I focus on how much better my life is now that I don't smoke.  And the craving passes.
   
   You are doing great, aurora.  I am so happy for you.  Have another great, smoke free day!