The truth is when you see someone who looks far older than you are doing something, you wouldn't be bothered, sometimes you might feel a little oppressed but it won't get through you that much but when it's someone young like yourself, it hits differently.
This is why I see peer as a very powerful weapon, the right kind of peer transforms lives while the wrong ones destroys it.
One of the places where peer pressure is strongest is school and unfortunately, it's the negative one that is common.
You see people of your age living recklessly and painting it will names that makes it look harmless.
They make it look so inviting that you wouldn't like to say “no” and when you stand your ground against their standards, they mock you with funny names.
A friend of mine who just graduated from college and theatre arts department was telling me about her experience in school, she said her mates call her “reverend sister” because she doesn't entertain their kind of lifestyle and also dresses decently.
The funny part is that even lecturers mock her sometimes. See how weird our world is becoming, not following the crowd and trends has now become a problem.
She said sometimes she feels like just giving in to stop all the drama but then what will it profit her in the end? That last line struck a chord in my heart.
It is not easy to overcome peer pressure, the temptation to give in is usually very high, especially if the pressure is coming from those very close to you but if you are determined enough, you would walk over it like a piece of cake.
One thing that has been very helpful to me when it comes to peer pressure and life pressure is my readiness to cut away from anything that seems to pose a threat to my goals and dreams.
Once I notice that you are beginning to put me under unnecessary pressure and it's not something fruitful, it doesn't take me long to just cut away from you and mind my business.
Another thing that also keeps me standing is knowing where I am headed, my destination is always the priority, every other thing no matter how tempting it is, comes second.
Once what is trending among my peer is something contrary to my dream or goal, seriously, I don't hesitate to set boundaries.
I learned how to cut my coat according to my size long ago. If your views about life, your taste and desires are not in line with my pursuit, seriously you are not my class, common sense should tell me that keeping you would cost me more than I can afford.
Keeping the right kind of circle will save us from all the pressure around. If our friends are not doing it, it will be easy for us to withstand the pressure but we are in trouble if our friends are the very ones mounting the pressure.
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