Ways To Deal With Peer Pressure

One common social phenomenon is peer pressure and it impacts everyone regardless of their age ranging from adolescents to adults. People tend to do things that are out of their character and could sometimes be detrimental to themselves all in a bid to fit in and be accepted by peers. It is important to learn to resist peer pressure to maintain the uniqueness of self, choosing individual decisions conforming with own health and ethics. This article will identify ways of overcoming the challenges associated with peer pressure.

Self-awareness
Self-awareness is one of the most important steps in combating peer pressure. Know who you are; know your values, beliefs, and what matters to you. Once you know what you stand for; peer pressure becomes less likely to push you into doing something against your beliefs.

Choose your friends wisely
Build relationships in which people have the same goals and aspirations in life. It is fine for one to remain open to meeting new people but having a supportive social network who can respect his or her decisions will make it easier to resist peer pressure.

Assertive communication
Know how to communicate your ideas and emotions assertively. If a person wants you to do something you’re not comfortable with, express and defend your limits confidently and fairly. You will also be able to make other people realize that they must accept your decisions after asserting them.

Practice saying "No"
Saying no is not an easy task considering that one could get rejected or judged. Be prepared by practicing “no” in several settings till you feel comfortable using that word. Please recall, that refusing anything is as important as choosing what you think correctly.

Understand the consequences
Think about what could happen if you give in to peer pressure. The question should also consider whether it will affect your health and safety, or whether you would value it. Thinking through the consequences may strengthen your resolve when under pressure, and increase the likelihood of you resisting it.

Find alternatives
In the event of peer pressure, provide suggestions and alternative activities that meet your values. One thing is that it allows you to assert yourself, as well as gives your friends room for an option of doing something good.

Seek support
In case of peer pressure, share your concerns with a trustworthy friend, relative, or guidance counselor. Sharing what happened to you may help you find out something useful or be comforted.

Have high self-esteem.
By building your self-esteem, you become more resistant to outside influence. Keep concentrating on your powers, attainment, and value. As you grow into confidence with your skin, it will become very hard for other people to demand what they consider acceptable standards.

Be prepared for rejection
Peer pressure also includes a challenge in that one’s friends might reject them for not conforming to their demands. Therefore, be ready for it and always keep in mind that other people’s perception of you is only about them; not you. Good friends will always honor your choices.

Learn from your experiences
Every peer pressure encounter becomes a training ground of life, growth, and development. Think about what happened to you and how well you resisted the urge or if you yielded it and apply the same principles to other decisions next time.

Conclusion, Life involves dealing with peers’ pressure but this should not determine your options or interfere with your convictions. Through awareness of self, assertive communication, and the development of a strong social support network, you are well-placed to manage peer pressure without being disrespectful to yourself. Also, recall that choosing actions reflecting personal values and well-being helps remain unique and live a meaningful life.