Peer pressure isn't just about saying no to drugs, alcohol, or sex. It can also be about feeling like you need to fit in.
Maybe you feel you need to dress or act a certain way. It can make you treat others in a way that's inappropriate, a certain way that would make you feel bad if you were treated that way. It can make you act "out of character," or do something that just doesn't "feel right." It can make you take on friends that you normally wouldn't hang out with, or do things that really aren't of interest to you.
Peer pressure can knock down your self-esteem and make you feel worthless or unwanted. The worse you feel, the harder you might try to "fit in." Or worse, you may just give up on life and not care about anything or anyone around you.
Succeeding in life when you've caved in to peer pressure can be a difficult challenge to face. You're lack of motivation may have gone completely out the window, so to speak. You may just say, "who cares?"
Don't get me wrong, peer pressure can positive too. Hanging out with others that have positive values can lead you to be a positive person, resulting in making the right decisions and having a higher self-esteem.
It can help you to achieve your goals and dreams by jumping over lifes hurdles with ease. You may achieve more than you could have possibly ever imagined. Life seems to fall into place and feel like it's constantly going in the right direction. You feel empowered! It's amazing the things that go right with positive peer pressure on your side.
Peer pressure seems to affect kids in school more than anyone else. Most kids have the desire to "fit in." It's the most common type of peer pressure and it can be a bit overwhelming for those involved. We can't always stop everything that goes on in school or control who our kids' friends are, but we can try to help our children to make positive choices in life and do our best to guide them in the "right direction."
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