How Do You Deal With Peer Pressure?

Well, first of all, we have to know that it is not easy. But here’s the thing—you’ll really feel better if you do what you know is right or if you stand up for yourself, which is what you do when you say you will do things your way and not the way of the crowd. And if everybody else doesn’t respect that, then THEY should feel bad. After all, we all got the right to be ourselves.

So, what do we do when everybody wants us to say or do something that we don’t want to? Here are some things you can do before you start to “feel the pressure”:

First of all, find out the truth about something. Satisfy yourself that you know all the facts and that you just don’t take things on “face value.”

Second, think about what you should say or do.

Third, make a decision and value your decision. After all, it’s your decision and you are somebody!

Fourth, hang out with people who respect you and your uniqueness and who share the things you believe in. It’s OK to be choosy with friends because you want what is best for them and you.

Fifth, talk about things with your friends—important stuff—before things happen.

Once you start getting “pressured” to do or say something, here are some techniques that you can use:

• make a joke and change the subject
• say “no” and keep saying “no”
• leave the area
• get help from someone you trust
• be with others who share your beliefs and tell why you won’t give in to the pressure

Truth Helps, Inc. 2003
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