Express care. Skip the criticism

• Try saying, "I really care about you and I'm worried about your smoking." Talk about the reasons you are concerned.
• It's OK to let them know you care, but be careful not to criticize.

Remember, the smoker will need to make the decision

• If a person isn't ready, you cannot talk him or her into quitting.
• Nagging, complaining or pressuring will probably backfire. It may even make it harder for the person to quit when he or she is ready.

Ask how you can help

• If your friend is planning to quit, you can say, "What can I do to help?" Get ideas here.
• If they are not ready, let them know that you would like to support them when they do decide to quit.

Be patient

• When your friend does quit, get ready for emotional ups and downs. Bad moods are a part of overcoming physical addiction. They will pass, usually within a few days.
• Do not take mood swings personally - they are not your fault.
• If you have a hard time being around the person, it's OK to take a break. Your friend may even prefer to be alone when a bad mood hits.

Be "on call"

• For some people, having a person they can talk to when they are craving a cigarette is helpful.
• If they need to talk often, reassure them that it is not a burden.Tell them, "I want to help."

Offer encouragement

• Encourage even the small steps. Offer praise for thinking about quitting or cutting back.
• Give extra encouragement during the first few days of quitting.
• You can say, "It's wonderful that you're thinking about quitting." Or, "I noticed that you haven't smoked today - that's great!"

Encourage non-smoking activities

• If you are going out together, suggest doing an activity that does not include smoking.
• Take a walk together. Play basketball or tennis. It's hard to smoke (or think about smoking) when you are being physically active.
• Try hanging out together in places where smoking is not allowed. Museums, indoor malls, and movie theaters usually do not allow smoking.
• Avoid bars, parties and other places where you know people will be smoking.

If you smoke...

• Don't smoke around the person who wants to quit. If you live in the same house, step outside for a cigarette. Put your cigarettes away so they won't be a temptation.
• Consider quitting too. You could support each other!

Be prepared for slips

• Quitting for good can take several tries. If the person slips, don't get mad or act disappointed.
• Say, "It's OK. I know that you can do it. It just takes time.

Keep up the support

• Quitting smoking is one of the hardest things a person con do. It can be hard for weeks, months, or sometimes even years after quitting.
• Celebrate one day, one week and one month without smoking. Go out to dinner or give a small gift.
• Let your friend know how much it means to you that he or she is no longer smoking.