Is Smoking Ruining Your Relationship?

I’ve been dating this Marine for a few years now.  We do all sorts of fun stuff like miniature golf tournaments, scenic rides along the evacuation/tsunami routes, poker runs in his “racing Mustang”, and pool-time at the local casino.  We have a blast when we’re together and it feels like time slows down – just like in those cheesy movies at the base theater.  Is it that elusive “L” word we all secretly long for? I think so.  I haven’t told him yet.  Why?  Well here’s the issue – he’s a smoker.  

You might be thinking that smoking shouldn’t matter if you love someone.  Sure, the heart wants what the heart wants.  But have you ever kissed someone with smoker’s breath?  Or held hands and then afterwards couldn’t get the smell of nicotine off? Oh, and that cute red dress of mine…  I had to take it to the MCX twice to get it dry cleaned so it didn’t smell like the local smoke pit.

Listen up guys – smoking isn’t sexy.  You might think you’re hot stuff because of those dress blues, but that smoking habit isn’t doing you any favors with the ladies. Let’s talk about the facts:

• Nearly 9 out of 10 lung cancers are caused by smoking.

• Smoking also causes cancers of the

• 18 million males over age 20 suffer from erectile dysfunction (ED). Smoking can cause ED, as cigarette smoke alters blood flow necessary for an erection.

• Smoking impairs your sense of taste and smell.

• Nonsmokers exposed to secondhand smoke have an increased lung cancer risk of 20–30% and an increased heart disease risk of 25-30%. Not cool, dude.

There are entire websites devoted to research about the effects smoking has on the body – for the smoker and receiver of secondhand smoke.  Sure, the breath mints are appreciated, but just not enough. We need to have a discussion about our relationship and your unhealthy habits. In fact, if you or anyone you know is looking for assistance to help break a nicotine habit, contact your local Health Promotion office for support.