By Jeremie

In my opinion, peer pressure is one of the worst types of pressure for someone my age (18) to deal with. I think teenagers are more vulnerable than any other age, to fall victim to being hassled into doing things we don't want to do because we're trying to prove ourselves (in particular, we're trying to prove our worth.) Many teens will do almost anything it takes to be looked at as one of the 'cool' people. Also, many teens think that caving in to peer pressure is a small price to pay for the status gained.

I think there is something more important than caving in to peer pressure. What's more important is that I have my own opinion and the right and choice to make clear what my decisions are and I think a lot of teens feel the same way. I admire people who use their own judgement to make decisions and do something because they want to, not because a bunch of so-called friends want them to. For example, I was at a party in a different city and everything was really mellow and laid back.

People kept offering me a joint and without hesitation, I said 'no thanks, I can't really handle the stuff right now.' I showed no indecisiveness. I stated how I felt immediately, and no one asked again for the remainder of the night. The result was that I felt happy with myself because I said 'no'. In my opinion, I think the key to overcoming peer pressure is being firm but not sounding like a total jerk and ending up making new enemies and having no one talking to you. (then you have a whole new problem). Just let others know that it's cool that we're all individuals and it's OK if you don't take part in the same social activities.

Hey, Jeremie brings up a HUGE issue!! - being firm (assertive) or coming across like a total jerk and making enemies (aggressive) or caving in to peer pressure (being passive).

 

Copied with permission from the magazine: For Youth To Know - January 2000, Issue 1.

Reviewed April 25, 2007

T:Sexual Health/Fact Sheets/Birth Control Options