Many smokers feel unable to quit smoking even after multiple attempts. In this interactive chapter, we return to the bar to discuss the real reasons behind this feeling of being ‘hooked’ and why a book gathering dust might be the key you’re overlooking:
Weeks after meeting your friend at the bar, you’re hanging out again. In the middle of your conversation, the waiter swings by with the drinks you ordered, but there’s no sign of the spicy fries…
«Sorry, we’re all out of the spicy fries,» he says before you can even ask. «But I brought you these potato chips instead. On the house.»
«Oh, wow… thanks!» It didn’t have to be free, but you appreciate the gesture. You look at the chips and notice they aren’t a big commercial brand; they look like those classic, high-quality bulk chips. «Just out of curiosity, what brand are these?»
«They’re Corominas.»
«Corominas?»
«Yeah, Corominas. They’re from a family-owned company in Badalona. They’re a little on the oily side and have just enough salt to give them a ton of flavor. It’s a matter of taste, but I prefer them over the big brands that taste like cardboard. Try them and tell me what you think.»
You grab one, and just like the waiter said, they’re delicious. They’re oily but without leaving your fingers greasy—which would have been annoying—and the salt really brings out the flavor.
«Yeah, these are actually really good,» you say, reaching for another one.
«Glad you like them. Anything else for you guys?»
«Now that you mention it, an order of fried calamari would be great…»
«Oh, come on! You know I hate calamari,» your friend chimes in.
«Yeah, I know… and you keep insisting I quit smoking. So, I’m ordering the calamari,» you say with a wink. «Consider it payback for that book you gave me the other day and for still pestering me about it.»
«I see how it is… alright then,» he says, turning back to the waiter. «Bring me a plate of serrano ham to go with these chips.»
«One calamari, one ham… coming right up!»
The waiter scribbles it down and heads back inside.
Why You Feel Unable to Quit Smoking After So Many Years
«So, where were we?» your friend asks.
«Let me think… oh yeah, the part where you don’t like calamari, right?»
«No, the part where I don’t like calamari and you haven’t told me why you won’t even try to quit smoking…»
«Back to this again?»
«Yes. Tell me… what did you do with that book I gave you?»
«It’s back home, gathering dust.»
«Man! You haven’t even cracked it open?»
«No, but it could be worse. I could be using it to level a wobbly table leg…» you laugh.
«Very funny. But seriously, can you tell me why you won’t try to quit?»
You turn serious for a moment. Being completely honest with your friend, you tell him:
«Look… the real reason I don’t want to quit smoking is because…»
- I’m way too hooked.
- I already tried and failed.
- I don’t want to gain weight when I quit.
- If you feel like you can’t do it, maybe you’re missing something important at the start.