I know peer pressure sounds a bit high-school. It is because we experience it mostly during our high-school years. But don’t deny it that it still gets you now in your college life, at work, or even over the Internet. I know ’cause I feel it too. The only reason why we feel pressured is because we always want to “belong” or to blend in wherever we are. That’s human instinct. But if handled incorrectly it sometimes places us at risk for bad outcomes. With that being said, here is my Five Ways to Resist Peer Pressure.
Learn to say “NO!”
Yes. That is right! Saying “no” on your friends doesn’t make you an alien or less of a friend. If you know what your friends are doing will yield bad results then learn to disagree. Let your voice out. You don’t always have to do the same things that your friends are doing. Instead try talking them out of it. Always remember that a good friend will never do anything that will hurt his friend.
Know your limits
If your friends ask you to go clubbing one night but you have to go to class or work the next, then put a rain check on it. You don’t have to compromise your work or studies for things like that. If your friends thinks you’re a “kill joy” then let them be. But know that true friends will always understand your situation. Try to make it up to them at least some other time.
Don’t Live beyond Your Means
With the advancements of technology today, we can easily stalk other people. With just one click we can easily see what they’re buying, what they’re wearing, or where they’re going. Human as we are, we sometimes fall into the trap of wanting the same things. It doesn’t mean that if a friend or someone bought the newest iPhone you also have to buy yourself a new one. But if you have the capacity or money to buy it, then suit yourself. However, if you’re in a tight budget then you should think twice. Going with the latest trend doesn’t always makes you “in”. Being yourself alone and appreciating all the things you already have is enough to make you stand out.
Be yourself!
The thing about being in a group is that we tend to imitate what the others are doing even though we are uncomfortable with it. And for what reason? Because we wanted to be accepted. But if you really wanted to be accepted then you should never hide from the shadows of others. Be yourself. There is nothing more beautiful than someone who is true to herself.
Choose the right friends
Have you ever heard the saying “Show me your friends and I’ll show you your future”? This saying is actually true. Choosing the type people to be with is the best way to resist and even avoid peer pressure. Surround yourself with people who will encourage you to do great things, those who will respect your curfew, those who will accept your shortcomings, and friends that will accept you no matter what you are. The people who we choose to be with will either pull us down or lift us up. Being with the right one might just help us to live a better life.
Peer pressure comes in different forms. It is always up to us if we will let it get into our system. We just have to be strong and know our priorities for us not to be carried away by this pressure. Cheers!
by Brooke