IS it me, or do people kind of become a little cranky during the month of January?

I know it is a mind-numbingly depressing time of year, especially as it hasn’t stopped raining for what seems like an eternity.

Oh, and the wind. What is it with that wind and the cold!

But come on, we are only a couple of days in – it shouldn’t be all doom and gloom just yet.

I’ve had my fair share of resolutions, but about two weeks into the new year things can get pretty desperate.

It is now that everyone breaks those promises.

This week I have been ‘harassed’ by several people who have either stopped smoking, or are on a diet of some sort.

As an ex-smoker, I know what people are going through.

It is pretty tough to give up the dreaded tobacco, but do it one must.

I walked into a shop the other day and noticed a pack of cigarettes cost over £7! That should be everyone’s first reason.

But then, having given up, I don’t really want to hear about how you used to be on 20 cigarettes a day and now only smoke three.

This is a coward’s way to quit.

If you are going to stop it has to be everything, or nothing. There is no middle ground.

The worse thing is even talking about smoking makes me want to light up. So, no smoking talk please!

As far as diets are concerned, I’m not much of a fan.

The reason is simple. I was never overweight and I don’t think I ever will be.

So it is unlikely I am going to have any interest in anyone telling me what a protein diet is, and whether eating less donuts has had an effect on their thighs.

Yes, I have all the respect for those trying, but I’m not sure if I have ever been on a diet, so can’t relate to it.

It is like asking me whether beige curtains will go with walnut brown wallpaper?

Just buy it and find out.

As far as my own new year resolutions are concerned, I had promised not to analyse things so much, and only speak when spoken too.

That lasted a full 12 days and nine hours.