How to Stay Away from Peer Pressure

What is peer pressure?

Peer pressure is the influence of one's peers on his actions. It's like following a trend! A person is most likely to do what all his friends do to fit in with them. Sometimes, one's peers also force him to indulge in certain things that he might don't want to be a part of but just to keep away from getting bullied, he goes on to be a part of it against his will. This can have major bad affects on one's life and personality. It can have a great influence on the decisions that one makes for himself later in life as well as on his individuality.

Therefore, it is pivotal that all of us must stay away from peer pressure and don't make life a competition as nothing is more important than our lives and our originality.

Here's a few ways to avoid peer pressure...

1. Choose your friends wisely!

It is crucial to choose your friends wisely. Make sure that you don't consider someone as your friend until you are completely sure that they are a good person and would not have a bad influence on your life. Make friends that encourage you to do good things and be a support for you and not those who encourage you to indulge in bad habits. Basically, consider those people as your friends who always want the good for you!

2. Strictly say 'NO' when you don't want to do something.

Never hesitate to refuse to do something that your friends are asking or forcing you to do. Just tell them that this is something that you are not going to do, no matter how much they force you. Tell them to back off and stand firm on your decision.

3. Know that there's nothing cool about following the trend.

Make sure that you also tell yourself why you shouldn't indulge in something bad that your friends are a part of. You must come up with reasons why this particular thing is bad for you and why you shouldn't be a part of it even after being forced into it. Once you convince yourself that this is actually not good for you, your will of staying away from it will become stronger and would help you in keeping up with your decision.

4. Make your friends aware of the negative aftereffects of their bad habits.

When you're done figuring out the bad aftereffects of what your friends are doing, make sure to let them know about it so they might change their minds as well, hence you would be able to become a good influence for them. This will help you stay friends with them without having to do anything against your will and even show them the right path.

5. Be confident.

Be confident about your decisions. Show you're friends that you are confident even without doing all that they are doing and not fitting in does not take your self esteem or confidence away! Convey that you are a strong person and you don't need a group to have any support from.

6. Respect your individuality.

You must respect the decisions that you make for yourself. Know that your opinions, judgments, and decisions matter. You are good just the way you are and you don't need to pretend to be someone or do something that makes you look cool to be respected. You deserve to be respected by yourself as well as others for your own originality and you don't need to do anything for that!

7. Involve others if needed.

If someone who has power over you is forcing you to do something and you can't fight them alone, then don't hesitate to involve someone else to come out of that situation. Even a small help from someone can change the whole situation for you so step up and speak up! There are hundreds of people out there to help you.

8. Learn to leave.

Don't be reluctant to leave from a place or situation where you are not comfortable. Don't think that it will look rude if you will leave like that. It is okay! If you are being forced into doing something or if merely the atmosphere of a place makes your heart sink, just stand up and walk away without a second thought. Trust your instincts!

9. Don't let anyone bully you.

Make sure that no one bullies you for not being a part of their practices. Don't let them call you uncool, disliked, or friendless. Stand up for yourself and show them that you are neither scared of them nor powerless. Tell them that you are satisfied with your decisions and they don't have a say on what you do and what you don't do.

10. Avoid situations where you are more likely to make a bad choice!

Sometimes even when we are firm on our decision of not doing a particular thing because of peer pressure, we mistakenly end up doing that because of being in a certain situation that made not being a part of that thing inevitable. So, make sure to avoid being in such situations or places in the first place. For instance, avoid going to parties if you don't want to smoke or drink. Avoid going to the casino with friends if you don't want to gamble. There is no chance of you doing these things if you will not go to those places that offer these things in the first place! It's always better to stay away from the very start.

At the end of the day, the most important thing is to be happy and satisfied with your life so just be vigilant and make your choices wisely and don't let anyone have any influence on those choices!