Research suggests quitting vapes may help your dating prospects. Quit for better chance at love this Valentine’s Day

Too tall or too short? Parents or friends not a fan?  Maybe their star sign doesn’t align with yours? There are many reasons people find not to date someone. Now, many people are also checking whether a potential partner vapes or not.  

Research shows that most people who don't smoke will not date a person who smokes.¹ As smoking has declined in Australia, it’s reduced the number of possible romantic connections for people who smoke.² And people who vape are increasingly facing the same challenge when seeking a date. 

In Australia, the use of vapes among young people has risen dramatically in recent years due in large measure to peer group behaviour.³ Those with friends who vape are more likely to do so as well, and they are more likely to accept this behavior in others.³ 

 But with approximately 10 per cent of young people aged 18 to 24 vaping daily,⁴ the vast majority don’t vape and the social norms around vaping are shifting from fad to out-of-fashion.⁵ New research shows nearly all people who are dating, whether they vape or not, are increasingly assessing a prospective partner’s vaping habits to see if they are good match.⁵  

Rachael Andersen, Quit Director says vaping has become normalised in large part because of predatory industry tactics.  

“We know that prior to new Australian vaping laws banning sales outside of pharmacies, young people were relentlessly targeted by the Big Tobacco industry, intent on addicting new customers to nicotine.  

“So if Valentine’s Day helps people who vape (or smoke) think about their motivations for quitting, that’s wonderful. Any day is a good day to quit. And Quitline is here to help support Australians battling nicotine addiction, whether it’s their first attempt to quit, or their tenth.”  

Many young people who don’t vape are sensitive to the vaping habits of those who do, particularly when it comes to dating. Vaping is now often a disqualifier in a prospective partner: a ‘swipe left’ quality.⁵  

 People who don’t vape report not liking the smell. They also tend to believe that vaping interrupts social catch ups. In recent research many people who don’t vape also report worrying that their family will not accept a partner who vapes.³ 

Lizzie, 26, from Melbourne says that vaping is something she considers when dating.  

“Any form of smoking has always been a red flag for me, and vaping is no different. Breathing in second-hand cigarette smoke triggers my asthma, and vaping also seems to have the same effect on my lungs. If I’m on a date and they pull out a vape, I lose interest.” 

 So, as well as improving your health, quitting vaping may also be increasing your dating options! 

-ENDS- 

MEDIA CONTACT: 

Prue Gildea, Quit Media Manager 

0400 394 274 / prue.gildea@cancervic.org.au  

Quitline can help 

Quitline counsellors can offer you free advice and support to help you stop smoking or vaping. They can help you build and keep up your motivation, create a plan that works for you, and guide and encourage you along the way. Quitline counsellors can also support you if you are using vapes to stop smoking.  

Ways to get in touch: 

There are multiple ways to contact Quitline, including by phone on 13 7848, the online request a callback form, webchat, WhatsApp and more. Hit the button below for more detail: 

Also check out My QuitBuddy 

My QuitBuddy is an app that helps you get, and stay, smoke-free and vape-free. It provides helpful tips to overcome cravings and tracking systems to chart your progress. My QuitBuddy gives you the facts you need to understand the impacts smoking and vaping have on your health.