I Smoke But She’s Annoying
Dear Mouthy Housewives,
I’m a smoker. My brother’s 7 year-old daughter is on an anti-smoking crusade that is making me insane. When she sees me smoking (I only smoke outside their house, never indoors) she starts with the whole “I’ll be so sad when you die, Aunt Sally! Please stop.” I’ve talked to my brother and sister-in-law about how annoying her behavior is, but they say that she means well. I just want her to stop. How can I make her?
Signed,
Sally the Smoker
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Dear Sally the Smoker,
I’m going to assume two things…
1. You know smoking is bad for you (and probably didn’t need a 7 year-old to give you a heads up about the health risks).
2. You’ll quit when you’re ready.
Or maybe you won’t. But the point is, it’s your decision to make. Your niece obviously means well. She’s been taught about the dangers of smoking and she clearly doesn’t want to lose you. But I agree that her approach is a bit maddening. If your brother won’t talk to her, you need to.
Let your niece know that you love her dearly and are so grateful for her concerns. But that her comments about your impending death are very hurtful and not helpful. Tell her that it is very difficult to quit smoking (something akin to giving up her American Doll or M&M’s) and that you will quit when you are ready.
And then challenge her to a smoke off. And show that second grader who is the queen of the cigs! Maybe scratch that last part. Everybody is so damn politically correct these days. Instead, give her a hug and tell her to never start smoking in the first place.
I would also make a little extra effort to avoid smoking in front of her. Instead of chilling out on the front porch, maybe take a short walk so you are not in eyesight. That way you might be able to avoid her well meaning yet irritating lectures.
Please know there are lots of resources out there when you’re ready to quit. And good news… your niece will likely move on to a new crusade soon. I hope you recycle.
Good luck to you,
Kelcey, TMH
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Comment by melodyj.
And then she moves on to our planet running out of water and you better hope you don’t have a dripping faucet.
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