Peer pressure refers to the influence exerted by a peer group in encouraging a person to changehis or her attitudes, values, or behavior in order to conform to group norms. Though the idea that"everyone’s doing it" can sometimes strengthen our sense of competition, it can also mislead us toleave our judgment, or our common sense behind.
No one can avoid peer pressure, however, as we grow, we learn to deal with it properly. Tobegin with, we must be true to ourselves. Paying attention to our own feelings and beliefs aboutwhat is right or wrong will help us make our own decision. Inner strength and self-confidencekeep us standing firm instead of being affected by the external influences. Secondly, be carefulwhen choosing friends. We may try to get together with friends of similar values, interests orbackgrounds to reduce the pressure from different minds. What’s more, when we find the peerpressure is overwhelming, we might as well turn to someone we trust for help.
Though we may feel annoyed when caught in peer pressure, we can learn a lot through copingwith it. Eventually we will reach the balance between our own beliefs and external influences.
