WHAT IS PEER PRESSURE?

Most people tend to think that peer pressure only applies or involves being asked to do something illegal or dangerous – yes, that might also be true in most cases but peer pressure is really subtle. For example, when your friends can convince you to change the route you normally take for school and heading back home, or convince you to stay at school until late.

Peer pressure can be non-verbal

Although many people have no idea that there is a non-verbal form of peer pressure, it does exist and in most situations, it is the one that is more impactful. When someone doesn’t have to say anything to put pressure on you. That’s because your actions are being influenced by what they expect from you, rather than how you feel.

Peer pressure isn’t always bad

It is important to know and remember that peer pressure isn’t always bad. Sometimes you can be fortunate enough to have peers that want to pour nothing but positive life into your cup, it is highly possible for your peers to put positive pressure on you. Your friends may influence you to do better in school. It’s always wise and better to hang around people who motivate you and encourage you to do positive things, instead of people who always get you into trouble.

Ways to deal with peer pressure

Be yourself –

Do not feel ashamed or bad if you do not like the things that your friends like. It’s okay not to be interested in the same things as your friends. As long as in the end you will not be convinced to do things that you are uncomfortable with.  Just make sure that you’re doing these things because you genuinely like them and not because you want to please your friends.

It’s okay to say no

Sometimes, saying no can make you feel some sense of guilt, it can even be hard at times but it is sometimes necessary to stand your ground in that decision.. Remember, someone who really cares about you, won’t be upset at you for not doing something that makes you uncomfortable.

Peer pressure can be quite tricky to deal with. Although it can be positive, you should always do things because you really want to, and not because your friends or partner will be upset with you if you don’t.

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