If you are annoyed that your partner smokes and is worried about their health, then help them to quit. However, it must be initiated from the desire of your own partner and not because of compulsion. You can come up with a few suggestions that can help him quit. Since nicotine is such an addictive substance, it can be very difficult to get rid of it completely. Therefore, don't give up quickly, always remember that your partner needs support to make him successful. Let's take a look at the various ways to help couples quit smoking, below.

11 steps to make your partner quit smoking

Step 1: prepare the facts

Make a few observations and arm yourself with facts about cigarette smoke. Even if he doesn't care about his health, you can get his attention by exposing the risks he puts to you and your family as passive smoking.

Step 2: save emotions

Don't let this become a contentious issue between the two of you. You won't be able to persuade him if he sees your conversation as nagging. Voice your concerns and show that you are saddened by your partner's addiction. However, try not to express anger in everything you say.

Step 3: start with subtracting

Advise your partner to reduce the number of cigarettes he inhales per day. This you can do if he's not ready to quit completely. After all, a cigarette addict will find it difficult to quit, just like an alcoholic. So, let him reduce the quantity of cigarettes little by little until he can be completely free from smoking.

Step 4: list the pros vs cons

Help your partner to list why he chose to smoke and the benefits of quitting. This can help him explain his motivation as well as help him to quit.

Step 5: give support

Let him know that even if he failed his attempts to quit before, this time he will. Smokers often try more than once before they are fully successful. Remember not to let him give up on himself.

Step 6: set a deadline

Help him decide what day he should quit. Suggest choosing a significant date (it could be your birthday) and have everything ready for it. When your partner can finish his last pack of cigarettes, then you must be ready to take his mind off cigarettes with healthy alternatives. Help her prepare nutritious snacks, or join the gym with your partner, so you can both focus on developing a healthy lifestyle.

Step 7: find other support

Encourage him to join a support group that helps former smokers. Explore online groups that you can suggest to your partner.

Step 8: take notes!

Suggest that your partner keep a diary to help you track when he has the desire to touch cigarettes, as well as help him to raise awareness of each pattern so he can prepare himself.

Step 9: stay away from temptation

Help him break the habit associated with smoking. Suggest that he go to places where smoking is prohibited, such as at the cinema. Spend more time with non-smoker friends with him, so that he avoids the temptation to smoke.

Step 10: fail? Try again

Keep pushing him, even if he fails. You can help him figure out why he failed as well as help him learn from it. Encourage him to try again, and let him know that you believe he will be successful.

Step 11: ask what he needs

Don't forget to ask him what he wants you to do to help him quit. Everyone reacts to stressful situations in different ways, so don't assume that you have all the best answers to serve their needs.

Step 12: give compliments and rewards

Help him maintain morale with praise and gifts. Consider creating a personal calendar to help him mark the number of days when he is smoke-free. Plan to reward him for meeting certain targets.

Step 13: don't criticize

Avoid criticism. American Cancer Society recommends that you do not judge, lecture, or punish someone who can make smokers feel bad about themselves. If you criticize him, your partner will think he needs cigarettes to make him feel better.