Avoiding Peer Pressure
Peer pressure is inevitable whether it be in friend groups, work groups, any group in general. Peer pressure can be good and bad (depending on what the activity is). For example, a healthy peer pressure is my friend suggesting that I go to the gym with him (even when I kind of want to just be lazy that afternoon). Peer pressure can also be bad such as smoking, drinking and other unhealthy habits.
It's important to have a routine and plan to know when to say no when these situations arise. What are some ways you guys deal with peer pressure (when you know it's a detrimental activity?)
For me I first acknowledge that the situation is peer pressure in the first place. This makes me judge clearly if I really should be doing the activity and if it's just through social pressure from my friends.
How are some ways you can address peer pressure in the long-term and stay consistent with being in control?
@sunnyWriting4806
Hi! Great topic! I like your point that peer pressure can be a healthy thing in some cases! I also like your suggestions for preparing for it and dealing with it.
I would also suggest to people getting to know your own self, if you don't already. Often we are so focused on fitting in and doing what is expected of us that we don't know or have our own values, interests and goals. We can work on knowing these things, and also our confidence and self-worth. When these are strong we don't feel such a strong need to be liked by others and do whatever they tell us to do (when it goes against what we know is right, or feels wrong for us).
@VioletSpringGlade
Thank you for sharing! That's so true. Often time we fall into peer pressure more easily if we don't have confidence in who we are and in our identity. I think you raise a great point by saying that to have more control over peer pressure you should have more control over yourself.
@sunnyWriting4806 I actually deal with peer pressure very well. I'm in college and I've never got drunk even though I'm being pressured to. I just remind myself why I don't want to drink.
Super happy for you @comfortableNight4463!
I think being reminded of your values is a great way to resist peer pressure. Glad that it's working for you this far!
@sunnyWriting4806
I think being able to understand what you want and what your morals are are really important to avoiding peer pressure. I also think people should be careful about what situation they put themselves in when peer pressure is possible, like not drinking too much when they are out with friends. It's important to respect yourself enough to not do what you would regret later.
@fruityPond7887
Great point! I think knowing yourself and your morals and affirming them is a great way to resist peer pressure. I like what you said about respecting yourself. You wouldn't really want to do something that's detrimental for you or your body normally, why with other people?
@sunnyWriting4806 Exactly! :) It's important to step back and decide what's best for you in the long term before making any decisions!