However it can sometimes be difficult to introduce your wife to the concept of sharing a cigar with you. Centuries of the "boys only" mentality surrounding cigars is working against you, but like all things over the last three decades this is changing. If your wife is willing to give cigar smoking a chance then this advice will help you to make it a gratifying experience for both of you.

Commonly it is suggested that you select a petite cigar for your wife. This is simply bad advice and you should ignore anyone who suggests you should start her on a 40 ring or smaller. Small ring gauge cigars burn hotter, tend to be spicy, and harsher in flavor when compared to the thicker rings. A 44 through 47 ring is ideal, but given a choice I would select a wide robusto over a corona to hand a new cigar smoker any day. Trust me on this ring stuff; ask any serious longtime cigar smoker and you will find many of them have reduced their ring gauges over the years to get that extra hit of oomph!

Ready for more against the grain advice? Go with cigars that are 5" or longer also. The extra length will help to cool the smoke, and allow her to ease into the strength. But be sure to tell her that it is perfectly okay to smoke only half of it - the key is enjoyment, not worrying about finishing the cigar.

One of the keys to introducing quality cigars to your wife is teaching her about what makes them so special in a world of drugstore machine made cigars. Explain how premium cigars are crafted, cared for, aged, and collected. I find that most people are genuinely surprised and interested to learn about the Epicurean aspect of fine handmade cigars.

Buy quality, regardless of the cost. Introducing your wife to cigars is not the time to be pulling out the value priced bundled seconds. You want her first cigar to be a pleasant smoking experience rather than one that is "good for the money."

Smoke the exact same cigar with her so you can share the experience. I have always found that new smokers enjoy having a seasoned smoker to compare tasting notes with, plus it makes them feel at ease that they are smoking along with you. It helps to instill a sense of camaraderie, plus it doesn't make the new smoker feel like they are getting less of an experience. Nobody likes to use training wheels while everyone else pedals on by - keep this in mind.

Have a variety of suitable mild cigars for her to select from - nothing like handpicking your own cigar. Or better yet go to the tobacconist together if she isn't intimidated by the surroundings. Remember to always pick up a pair, one for her and one for you.

Try to set the stage for an enjoyable experience. Share a good meal first, select a nice after dinner drink, maybe some wine or tawny port, or whatever she enjoys. I find that most new smokers are more comfortable testing the waters in the privacy of their home rather than in public. Subdued lighting and background music help to set a relaxing mood or maybe a night outside sitting on a porch swing. It really depends on her, just remember the key is to make it an enjoyable experience.

Personally, I suggest you that you do nothing but sit and smoke casually. The reason is that a cigar will provide you an opportunity to relax and to talk together uninterrupted. Many wives have told me that this is the part they enjoy the most about the experience of sharing cigars.

Insist to her that if she is not enjoying the taste or aroma of the cigars she selected that she allow it to die out - as the saying goes, "Life is far too short to smoke bad cigars". Just return to the humidor and choose another.

And finally, do not push the issue - not everyone likes the taste of quality tobacco. You should applaud your wife for even trying something that has long been regarded as a "men's club" endeavor. Even if in the end she decides she does not like smoking cigars, I assure you that she will have a greater appreciation of your enthusiasm for fine cigars.