First of all, this site is very cool. I'm impressed with all of the great people here.
My name is Keith. I'm 19 years old. I started chewing around July of 2007, right after my 18th birthday. My close friends don't chew and didn't criticize my decision so I thought it was okay. My mom, who used to smoke, also didn't flip out on me either. Not too long after that I met my girlfriend during my first semester of college. Of course, I didn't tell her I chewed because honestly I didn't think she would care. Boy...I was wrong. I never told her I did but really wanted to. She actually found out through my mom because my mom had asked her, "How do you feel about Keith chewing?" And of course when my girlfriend confronted me, I was in denial. I told her I would quit, but I didn't. She found out I had lied to her. I told her I would quit...but I didn't. It really bothered me that she couldn't reconcile with me at all and that made me want to keep chewing.
I'm sure a lot of you can relate since "it was what we wanted to do." You really can't explain chewing to the people that don't do it. I guess it gave me a sense of security and "manliness." 'Crazy'
So yesterday...she found the dip. (I don't understand how they ALWAYS find out :P ) Anyway, we got into an argument about it. She had told me when she had first found out that it was going to come down to her or tobacco. Goddamn she was right. I was addicted. So after she had left my house, I thought about it. Why do I do this? What is the point? Will my life be any different if I don't chew? I did some research, found a few things (including this site) and since this morning I am tobacco free. I know it won't be easy, since I did try stopping before, but my relationship is more important than a can of Skoal, Copenhagen or Grizzly.
I do have a question for you guys, have you tried the herbal snuff, and does it help? I went to Chattahoochee Snuff's website and it looked convincing. It's okay to use right...since it is tobacco and nicotine free?
Thank you for your support. I'm ready to change for good now.