I know how peer pressure is taking a toll on people today, they have learned to equate having fun with consuming alcohol and they feel if they will not, they will not be socially accepted, they feel they will be mocked by people and will be left with no friends and parties. Let me tell you something from my own experience.
I don’t consume alcohol, Yes, I attend parties with my friends. Just because I don't like alcohol doesn't mean I hate fun. It's wonderful for people who enjoy it. I just happen not to.
If people try to convince you to drink it because they tell you that you can not have fun without it or you will be outcasted from professional meetings or parties or you will be uncool, listen to me. I have friends with whom I party, I occasionally go on vacations and meet new people, I have worked with giant MNCs and start-ups and never ever I felt the pressure to do something I don’t want to do, you know why? Because I feel it's silly to change the way I act or think to please others and to fit in. I refuse to change the way I feel or act in order to get other people to like me, my beliefs on my own thoughts and own self is so strong that I don’t need validation from others to accept me.
You might feel what will I do if I don’t drink when I will go to a party? You will do exactly what they are doing minus a beer in the hand. I know it can get more annoying when they keep asking why don’t you? won't you? really? Answer politely No. Don’t try to persuade yourself into doing something that you don't have the slightest bit of interest in.
Your willpower and sense of self will be tested multiple times over and over but you don’t have to give into the temptation even if some of your closest friends are trying to persuade you for it. You have all the right to make your own decisions. Guys Life is fun without booze too.
You know you are not the only person who has no interest in drinking. I know that there are people out there who don't want to but do so just to fit in. Just because everyone around you is drinking doesn't mean that you have to. Let people get to know you for the incredible person that you are. Follow your heart and do what you want to do rather than what others want. I promise that at the end of the day you'll be happier and at peace with your self-knowing that you stayed true to who you are and the things you believe.
So next time you feel pressurised remember a girl telling you to be yourself because this is what exactly she did and she is doing just fine :)
