We all have come across the term ‘peer pressure’ many times by now in statements like “I did what I did because of peer pressure”, “Never succumbed to peer pressure”, and “Today in four Three children are victims of it. Peer pressure”, etc.
So What Does ‘Peer Pressure’ Really Mean?
Peer pressure is what a person, usually school-going children or college-going teenagers reacts to by behaving in a certain way to ‘fit in’ among their peer groups. A peer group is a group consisting of people who share a similar age, interest, or background.
When you start facing peer pressure, you tend to behave or be more likely to behave in a way that you would not normally behave. It is very common for you to want a group of people near you. So, to get people to like you, you will end up doing things that are not part of your behavior or things that you normally don’t do or don’t like.
Peer pressure can have a profound effect on a person. Effects can be either positive or negative. While the positive effect of peer pressure can lead to personality development and make you a better person, the negative effect can lead to depression, high stress, and behavioral problems.
Peer pressure is something that everyone goes through constantly. In such a situation, it becomes important to deal with it in the right way.
Let us look at some simple ways to deal with peer pressure.
Accept Yourself
You are great just the way you are. There is no compulsion for people to like you. Let people like and accept your true self. For people to like you, first you have to like yourself and accept yourself the way you are. If people don’t like you, don’t let them. When you truly accept yourself and are comfortable in your skin, you won’t feel the need for people to like you.
Learn To Say No
Your inner self will always tell you the difference between right and wrong. In the process of getting people to like you or befriend you, if you feel obligated to do something you think is wrong, of course, it is. This is when you have to say no. For example, if people in your group smoke, but you are the only non-smoker, there is a 90% chance that your group will encourage you to smoke. There is a 99% chance that you quit smoking just to get ‘fit’. However, it’s okay to say no and not ‘fit in’ with everything.
Surround Yourself With People Who Are A Good Influence In Your Life
People who make you a better person, who bring out the best in you, who inspire you to succeed, who encourage you to chase your dreams, who make you laugh when you are Till your stomach doesn’t hurt, they are the people who leave a positive impact in your life. Choose such people for yourself.
Share Your Thoughts And Feelings With Someone Older
It’s okay to share your thoughts and feelings with an elder. The adult can be anyone, your parents, teachers, grandparents, or even your older siblings. Adults primarily provide the best solutions and support.
Be Your Own Best Friend
If you can’t find anyone around to help you, take your help. Talk to yourself, sit quietly, and process your thoughts. You can also write down what you feel in your journal. You will conclude with a solution. Always remember to come back to yourself whenever you can’t find a helping hand outside.
Peer pressure is a very minor concern when dealt with in the right way at the right time. If you feel you are going through a problem, take their help and you will be fine.
