peer pressure & my attempt to pressure you!
Peer pressure is influence that a group, observer, or individual exerts on another that causes them to change their attitude, values or behaviors to conform to the groups’ norm.
It can come in many forms; from joining in making fun of another by asking “Don’t ya think?”, “Aren’t ya coming?” , to the group getting ready to ditch class, or in the heat of a moment “ Go ahead while the clerk isn’t looking!” referring to stealing an item in a store.
“Everyone else is doing it!” “You want to be cool right?”
If makes you uncomfortable, then no!
There is no black and white in life, but many shades of gray. Each person is different and while we have similarities we also have differences. The only normal I know is a setting on the washing machine.
“Everyone else is doing it!” “You want to be cool right?”
If makes you uncomfortable, then no!
There is no black and white in life, but many shades of gray. Each person is different and while we have similarities we also have differences. The only normal I know is a setting on the washing machine.
peer pressure- who and why?
Our peers are the people we associate or hang out with. We are social animals, so it is a part of life. Little ones usually have their “friends” picked for them, staying with similar age playmates.
As we get older, the choice becomes ours as we begin to define our own likes and dislikes. We also develop tastes that may require a larger age gap in our friends. We want to be liked and have friends, so there are moments of compromise everyday as we overlook differences in both being and having friends.
It is more than just what we say that can influence others. How we talk, dress, and behave is affecting others and us. It is not always bad to have friendship, positive examples, feedback, support, socializing and new experiences we may not get if we didn’t interact with others.
People may feel pressure to conform so they fit in or are accepted, or so they don't feel awkward or uncomfortable. When people are unsure of what to do in a social situation, they naturally look to others for cues about what is and isn't acceptable.
It is more than just what we say that can influence others. How we talk, dress, and behave is affecting others and us. It is not always bad to have friendship, positive examples, feedback, support, socializing and new experiences we may not get if we didn’t interact with others.
People may feel pressure to conform so they fit in or are accepted, or so they don't feel awkward or uncomfortable. When people are unsure of what to do in a social situation, they naturally look to others for cues about what is and isn't acceptable.
peer pressure- the uncomfortable kind
No matter how wisely you choose your friends, sooner or later you'll have to make decisions that are difficult and could make you “unpopular”. Drinking, smoking, drugs, stealing, or any number of things that you may not want to do will present themselves as choices.. But there are options in every situation.
Peer Pressure Options
Peer Pressure Options
- First: Listen to your gut. If it doesn’t feel right for you then it probably isn’t. The old cliché of everyone jumping off a bridge is still relevant. Just don’t do it. It is a choice.
- Having a plan is the next best thing. If you are going to a party where there will be alcohol or drugs and need an out; bring your own drink. Practice saying, “I’m good” or “No thanks” before you go so it will roll out without feeling or sounding awkward.
- Develop a bail out word with your parents so you won’t look silly asking Mommy to come get you cause you’re not comfortable. “ Can you pick me up? I got a sore throat.” or whatever.
- Blame your parents. “If my parents found out I’d be dead! Their spies are everywhere. None for me, thanks!”
- Most importantly be comfortable saying “no”, a small but powerful word. If they are really your friends they will respect that and back off. If not, refer to one of the above or just get out.
Better to be yourself than be like everyone else!
Written by Brian Reihl - ReihlLife.Com EmpowerNetwork.Com
Bio: My name is Brian Reihl (pronounced "real") and my page is the documentation of my family adventure as we travel the country. We recently became a full time family living in a 34' fifth wheel RV. I look forward to having discussions about parenting, travel, marriage, and life in general. So please subscribe and follow the adventure as it unfolds!