Reader CORRINA is worried about her best friend but how can she tell her? Maybe SUMMER TANBERRY can help...
Corrina says:
This may sound strange but I think my best friend has taken up smoking. I know her mum smokes so she doesn’t have a good role model but I am worried about her! I can’t tell her because she’ll get angry. How can I let her know?
Summer says:
This is a tricky one. We all know that smoking is bad for our health... the information and health education leaves us in no doubt. However, smoking is very addictive and many people, like your friend's mum, struggle to give up the habit. This sets a bad role model in one way, but in another it just shows that adults are not perfect and can be as flawed as we are... I'm pretty sure your friend's mum would probably be upset to think her daughter is smoking. You're right to tread carefully here... making too much of a drama of this could push your friend in the opposite direction and make her more determined than ever to smoke. Try telling her you are worried about her instead... gentle concern often works better than harsh judgement. Your friend is still at the experimental stage, so step back a little and let her come to her own conclusions. Smoking isn't just a serious health risk, it's hugely expensive and very uncool in a whole lot of ways. In time, your friend will see this. Good luck.
Cathy says:
Summer's gentle approach to this dilemma seems like the right way to go... do YOU have any extra advice for Corrina? COMMENT BELOW to have your say!
Corrina says:
This may sound strange but I think my best friend has taken up smoking. I know her mum smokes so she doesn’t have a good role model but I am worried about her! I can’t tell her because she’ll get angry. How can I let her know?
This is a tricky one. We all know that smoking is bad for our health... the information and health education leaves us in no doubt. However, smoking is very addictive and many people, like your friend's mum, struggle to give up the habit. This sets a bad role model in one way, but in another it just shows that adults are not perfect and can be as flawed as we are... I'm pretty sure your friend's mum would probably be upset to think her daughter is smoking. You're right to tread carefully here... making too much of a drama of this could push your friend in the opposite direction and make her more determined than ever to smoke. Try telling her you are worried about her instead... gentle concern often works better than harsh judgement. Your friend is still at the experimental stage, so step back a little and let her come to her own conclusions. Smoking isn't just a serious health risk, it's hugely expensive and very uncool in a whole lot of ways. In time, your friend will see this. Good luck.
Cathy says:
Summer's gentle approach to this dilemma seems like the right way to go... do YOU have any extra advice for Corrina? COMMENT BELOW to have your say!
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