COMMUNICATIONS

Advice To Smirters

Smirting (smoking and flirting) is one of the worst ways to pick up a partner, according to the Canterbury DHB’s Community and Public Health team.

While smirting has recently featured in some media as a popular phenomenon, the best way to meet people is still to throw away the cigarettes and mix with the 80 per cent of the population that are smokefree.

Being forced outside into the cold and dark to smoke is an advantage for smirters, who are less likely to see the nicotine stained fingers and teeth, the extra wrinkles and even that slightly blue tinge ( from poor circulation) that their potential partners are more likely to have.

In the dim light, a hacking cough and the stale smoky taste of a first kiss will however set things straight. Men who manage to make it past the smirting stage will find that smoking won’t do them any favours in the bedroom either. Smoking related impotence is a common but naturally little talked about side effect.

If you are a non smoker and despite all the evidence (and smoky smelling clothes ) are still tempted by a spot of smirting, even inhaling second hand smoke increases your chances of developing respiratory problems, heart disease and cancer.

Smoking is far from attractive. It’s a dangerous habit that is killing smokers on average 14 years earlier than non-smokers - far from the ideal, if you are looking for a long and lasting relationship.

If you would like help to give up smoking, stay inside on frosty nights and increase your chances of a long and healthy love life there is help available. You can visit your General Practice or call the national Quitline on 0800 778 778. Through the Quitline, callers can receive an information pack, appropriate nicotine replacement therapy and telephone counselling.

ENDS