Peer Pressure

Peer Pressure

When you start high school everything seems so new and huge. There are tons of new people, new changes, and new experiences. I’m not going to tell you some cliché stuff about high school being “the best years of your life” because that really isn’t true. These 4 years could be great or terrible, it all depends on the choices you make and whether they are your own. You should never give into peer pressure.

Peer pressure is when your peers, in a group or as individuals, try to pressure you into doing something you are not necessarily comfortable with. Most people give in to the pressure because they want to fit in and seem cool. I am here to say, you do not need to change yourself to fit in. If you have to change who you are to fit in with certain people, than they’re really not worth your time.

Peer pressure can be about anything. Whether it’s about drinking, sex, drugs or even just relationships, it’s never fun to be pressured into things you aren’t fully comfortable with. You need to know what your values are and have strong morals to be able to go against pressure. Many people are not fully sure what they believe so they let others decide for them. You need to make your own decisions that you are comfortable with. Never let anyone else decide how you should live your life.

 I will admit there are a few times when peer pressure can be positive. Many people try to convince their friends to do something good, like try out for the play or talk to their crush. These kind of friends are truly looking out for your well-being and want to help. They don’t want to hurt you, they just want to encourage you. These are the kind of people you want to surround yourself with. Not the ones who want to make you do something you really don’t feel comfortable with.

If you ever feel uncomfortable and pressured in a situation just say no, explain your opinion, and if they still pressure you, leave. You do not have to be forced to stay in a situation where you feel unwelcome. Never give in to peer pressure, make your own decisions, it’s your life, not your friends.