Notice how small it's asking now

How many times has it asked in the last hour? Count them. First it wanted the whole thing. You said no. So it asked for a little. Then just to hold a cigarette. Then to buy cigarettes and leave them untouched in a drawer. Every ask sounds more reasonable than the last, and that's the plan.

It bargains like a kid at bedtime. One more story. Half a story. Can the hall light stay on? That kid isn't giving up. That kid is hunting for your number. The craving works the same way. It's slicing one big yes into pieces too small to notice.

Your only clean vote is the first slice. Once you're holding it, you're arguing from inside the deal. End it the way a tired parent finally does. Say goodnight and leave the room. Stand up right now and walk into a different one. Let it bargain with an empty chair. The answer to a smaller ask is the answer you already gave.

You don't owe it a reason why a little is different. You don't have to be clever right now. Tell God where you stand. Keep my answer the same. Then let the small offers come and go unanswered. They're shrinking because you're winning.