2:04M

August 20, 2022

“Don’t start smoking. Do as I say, not as I do.”

I started smoking cigarettes in June when my father-in-law came to visit. It’s not for the reason you may think, I actually have a really great relationship with my father-in-law. Anyways, my wife doesn’t like me smoking because of, you know… the cancer. I came up with an idea to limit my cigarette consumption and simultaneously be a better husband.

I got this idea from James Clear’s book “Atomic Habits." Basically, we would have a coin system where I would earn coins by going above and beyond to make my wife special, and when she feels appropriate, would award me coins. I would use the coins to redeem certain privileges. Like 1 coin = 1 cigarette. 2 coins = weed. 3 coins = sexy time activities. (that last one may or may not be real…)

My wife doesn’t give out these coins easily. I really have to earn them. Perhaps this is all an elaborate cognitive dissonance hoax to justify easing my discomfort of not smoking, but at least I am becoming a better husband in the process.