Well I have a slightly different take...as usual....and as usual it will piss some people off on this site....but I am used to doing that.
Everyone is correct in saying that your accountabilty factor rises when you tell everyone you are quit. The more people you would dissapoint if you started using again adds a big guilt fear to your quit. Even though most say to quit for yourself and not others. /shrug
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I don't see the upside in telling your wife you dipped for 10 years. You had an affair with nicotine for 10 years, and now that affair is over. Same as if you had an actual affair with another woman. If it's over with her, there is only pain and grief if you "fess" up about your affair. The common thought now from many analysts is that confessing your past affair is done to relieve your guilt. It does nothing but hurt your spouse.
Right or wrong, it's just one mans take.
More importantly is to stay quit. Post roll everyday and use the amazing support you will receive from the crazy ass quiters on this site.
I have been married 21 years and have 3 kids. I didn't get this far keeping secrets.
Oh don't get me wrong, I tried. Every time I got caught, my wife was more angry that I didn't trust her enough, or I lied, or I didn't involve her, or that I thought I was smarter than her and could hide it.
My point. Your wife is your partner. Things I learned over the years.
Women: its in their nature to forgive
Time and time again, my wife amazes me at what a rock she is. I think most women are like her. They are very strong. The express emotions, but they can handle it.
It hurts them not to know every victory or every struggle. They want to share pain along with excitement.
When my dad died. I tried to mourn in secret. My wife gave me my space but never let me be alone too long. She cried more than I did. She showed me that even in heartache, I want her by my side. Likewise, I'll be there for her too.
My friend coming clean is scary but if you take the plunge there is so much opportunity to grow. Give your wife that opportunity to show you that she loves you unconditionally. Come clean. If you bury this, you didn't trust her. You are worried that she will be mad that you lied. You should also weigh out the fact that you don't trust her love for you.
Take the test. If you are humble, have a broken heart and tell her that you tried and couldn't do it and discovered that it is an addiction but you finally believe you can quit with her support, you might fall more in love with her than you are now.
Why put her through the pain...just like embracing the suck. So you don't repeat it and you will realize how much you love her back.
My wife is 41. Still she is the most beatiful woman from inside out that I know. I credit that to coming clean.
Its your life and your are going to do what you want but keeping this secret in the closet any longer is an opportunity to grow with your wife...missed.