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Results for 10/18/2004 to 10/25/2004

Last week, smoker lover said:

"Stop smoking or break up?

My boyfriend loves smoking. When I met him I started to smoke too. My parents found out because of my smell and said that if I don't quit I will have to break up with my boyfriend and never see him again! Thats because they knew I started smoking because of my boyfriend! I love smoking and my boyfriend, what am I supposed to do?"

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339 SmartGirls replied:

14%	Its time to break up and stop smoking because you know that your parents dont approve of him and you also know that smoking is a terrible decision for your bodys sake. Even if you quit smoking you know that he would continue to smoke which would only anger your parents more and make it very difficult for you to drop the habit. Neither is good for you girl, its better to kick both butts out of your life.
32%	Stop Smoking girl! There is nothing pleasant about smoking because it is dangerous for your body and expensive for your purse. Who would give up their boyfriend just to be able to smoke once in awhile? Talk to your boyfriend and tell him about the ultimatum that your parents gave you, and tell him that you are choosing him over the cigarettes!
8%	Even if you ditch the boy, you know that your parents aren't going to be happy until you stop smoking. The real issue is that your boyfriend seems to be promoting habits that are very unhealthy for you (and addictive, since you can't seem to give up smoking). This isn't the type of person you want in your life. Try and find a new boyfriend that will promote better habits.
2%	Compromise is the only solution! You need to talk to your parents and explain the entire situation to them and explain to them that you are mature enough to make your own life decisions. They might disagree, but at least you may be able to continue smoking and seeing your boyfriend.

44% gave other responses. Some SmartGirls said:

Smoking's a really gross habit so I don't think it's too bad a deal. One of my mates smokes and I don't want to go near her much cause of the smell!! Stick with your boyf and let him know the choice you had to make - Ami x
To me you should be smart enough to make your own decisions. I once had a smoking habit but I quit because I became this person I never thought I would and a lot of people lost a lot of respect for me. But it will take time to stop smoking you just need to talk your parents and let them know what's going on and they need to understand that you just can't stop smoking over night and that your gonna need their support and help to get you through this.
Hi smoker lover, I think you should try giving up smoking because then you can still see your boyfriend and if you keep smoking now you will probably regret it later in your life. I don't think you should break up with him because it probably won't stop you from smoking and your parents wouldn't be happy about that either. It's a tough decision but I hope things turn out OK for you ;) Luv Angel xxxxx
OK first of all you have got to stop smoking now when you still can! And ditch the guy. Seriously. He's already lead you to one bad thing so he's probably gonna lead you to more. So ditch the cancer sticks and that so called bf and have some fun!
I'm sorry but smoking is extremly bad for your health. I lost my mom to lung cancer because of it and I hate to see someone go the same way. Smoking a couple of ciggies is definitely not more important than a relationship. Give up smoking coz you'll lose out in the end, ciggs and the boyfriend.

Thanks to all of you that gave your advice! Please give your advice for this week's issue.

The advice represented on this page is the opinion of SmartGirl users who have responded to last week's Issue of the Week. It is not the opinion of SmartGirl.org or the University of Michigan.