Peer Pressure

We might face lots of pressure every day. Sometimes we're having a hard time with ourselves because of our confidence. We are also in a stage that we are getting to know ourselves more and making decisions on our own and what to prefer the most. Peer pressure is an influence from members of a group. An example is the people around you. Peer pressure can be positive and negative. Sometimes we define our friends as a bad and good influence on us. Teenagers are facing peer pressure because of their surroundings, or the people would expect them because we want to fit in with the group, we don't want to be left behind.

Social situations are hard to navigate. For example, your friends invited you to go to a party, and for you, your brain is debating whether to go or not, but for you, you don't want to go because you will be scolded by your parents. But there are what if's in your mind like, "what if they will be mad at me?" or "what if they will not include me anymore in the group?", you feel pressured already, but take note that, do not be afraid to say "NO" because saying no is good, it can help you to some situations. I've experienced that kind of situation, but I would say no immediately even though some would say that I'm a killjoy to the group, I don't care if they will see me like that, I just don't want to join them, I have my likes and dislikes, and just walk away.

Peer pressure has a positive and negative side. Positive, when your peers are very supportive, encouraging, and always motivates you to do great things. In our group of friends we are very supportive of each other when situations get tough, whenever we have an upcoming examination, we would go to the library to study. Negative, when your peers are a bad influence. Like they encourage you to go to them at the bar, drink alcohol, and many more. Alcohol is the most common peer pressure, because some of the teenagers today, whenever examinations are done, they would invite everyone to drink because of the pressure and stress they felt during examination. For some, it's their leisure and habit, but for me, it's not because there are many ways to do after examination and not by drinking alcohol.

Surround yourselves with positive peers, which includes:

· Friends that accept who you are

· A role model that would always guide you

· Have a positive vibe

· Gives advice and feedbacks

· Try new good things and experiences

· Encourages you to do something good

Sometimes I feel peer pressured whenever I see some of my classmates studying in a corner, and my friends are not, they are doing something, and I'm just chilling. I would be conscious and pressured because there's a part of me that wants to join them, and the other is not. I'm not the kind of person who loves to study, I like to study on my own, but when I see someone studying very hard, I would be so conscious, and I want to study or join them and have a group study. Sometimes I don't like group studies. I can't concentrate because some are just gossiping, or there's no group study happening.

Surround yourself with friends that would be a good influence on you. Be with friends that accept you in the group, encourages, supports, and gives advice. I'm not picky when it comes to making friends, but if I sense that the friendship is not working or not compatible, I would step aside because they are helping me to do bad things. Our problem, especially when making friends, we want to fit in even though we know that we are not included in the group, or we need to obey what they would say just to fit in, and it's not a good idea. Keep in mind that we are different. We are unique. In a group of friends, we have our differences, it's not like what the person would do, and you will follow just to fit in. Don't mind others if they would say something to you like you are being others to them.

Peer pressure is part of our nature. Some people would give in and would resist. People having low confidence and tend to follow, are most likely to give in. People who also want to fit into other groups would also give in, but if you know that if the situation is not good, then resist it immediately, and be confident in saying no. We live in a world full of expectations, but only focus on your decisions, it's what matters the most. They cannot decide for you because, in the end, you are the one who will make a decision. Peer pressure can be handled, depending on what situation it may be, but it only matters in your decisions. It's up to you if you would give in or say no.

"I'm not in this world to live up to your expectations and you're not in this world to live up to mine". –Bruce Lee

"Only surround yourself with people who will lift you higher,"

-Oprah Winfrey

"Peer pressure can either make or break you. Positive peer pressure will lead you to your dreams. Negative peer pressure will lead you to your nightmares. Please choose wisely".

-Dankie Sirkwanele