Question

Edgar is a high school freshman. He is at a family get-together when his uncle offers him a cigarette. His uncle says it's O.K to smoke. Edgar knows that tobacco is unhealthful and does not want to smoke. But he doesn't want to make his uncle angry with himA. Briefly describe three strategies that Edgar could use to avoid smoking.B. Select the best strategy , and describe in detail what Edgar would do and say. Be sure to include verbal and nonverbal communication.Sincerely-Korey

Answer 1

A. In order to avoid smoking, Edgar can politely tell his uncle “No.” and engage with another family member instead. This will avoid his uncle becoming angry with him, but also gets his point across.

Edgar can also be honest, and confide in his uncle that it’s against his personal beliefs and he doesn’t wish to have side effects. He can educate his uncle on the side effects if his uncle is unaware of them.

Edgar can lastly let another family member know that he is uncomfortable with being pressured to smoke, and they can talk to the uncle to get him to stop pressuring Edgar.

B. The best strategy Edgar could use would be for Edgar to politely tell his uncle, “No.” If his uncle tells him, “Edgar, come have a smoke with me. I promise it’s not harmful,” Edgar can respond with his arms crossed, and say “No, it’s okay, I’m just here to talk to the family. I’m not into smoking.” He can then proceed to speak with a different family member and avoid his uncle’s pressures. By crossing his arms and responding the way he did, he is remaining respectful, faithful to his beliefs, yet firm. His uncle would have no real reason to be mad at him for saying no since he wouldn’t have insulted his uncle or anything disrespectful like that.