Couples who smoke together, may end up in the clinic together. How's this for a new relationship mantra? Truth is that our smoking habits often rub off on our significant others. If one spouse smokes, the others often follow suit to give him/her company. Many couples unwind after a long day at work by sharing a puff or two in each other’s company. While this mutually destructive habit can keep you together, there are no points for guessing that it can also ruin your health. Co smoking can be a dangerous thing. And quitting is equally difficult. It helps if the two of you are on the same page. On World No Tobacco Day 2019, let's learn ways in which couples can help each other quit tobacco use for good. World No Tobacco Day 2019: The Effects of Tobacco Smoking and Consumption on Every Organ of Your Body.

Couples these days are coming in with a major lifestyle issue as a part of their relationship problem. He smokes, I don't. And equally often- She smokes but I don’t. Doctor, please help my partner quit. If you have been in a similar “smokey” spot, then here are a few things you can explain to your partner. And a few that you should do yourself as well. It's an issue for me. World No Tobacco Day 2019: Theme and Significance of the Day Highlighting the Ill-Effects of Tobacco on Health.

Communicate your feelings to your partner about their SMOKING HABIT this way:

1. Respect and Patience

Yes, it starts with you, the “non-smoker” being respectful of their feelings. Understand that this habit is not by choice. It’s an addiction. Imagine if you had an addiction and your partner snapped at you for it constantly, there would be no way that you would quit right.

So start with patience and respect.

2. Kissing an ashtray

Explain to the partner that being intimate with someone after smoking is worse than even passive smoking. Explain this to them in a humorous way rather than displaying annoyance.

3. Buddy it up

Encourage your partner that you would try to work on quitting one your addiction (or a bad habit) while they are working on theirs. This way you both encourage each other as a couple and are a TEAM.

4. Give them time and chances

To err is human, to forgive is divine. Your partner may make mistakes, have slip ups but don’t use those as an excuse to call them out. Appreciate the journey they go through, and know it’s a hard process. If after 7 days your partner relapses and smokes, call it a “hiccup” and encourage him to start afresh rather than play the “blame game”.

5. Seek professional help

This works for many reasons. One of the reasons is that professionals (Psychiatrists, De-addiction specialists) are trained to deal with such issues. Their methods of motivation enhancement can involve you as helping your partner.

(This article has been contributed by Dr Era Dutta, Neuropsychiatrist and Therapist, Mindwellness)

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on May 31, 2019 11:58 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).