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Tags: relationships, friendship, dealing with peer pressure
 Dealing with peer pressure is an ongoing process. Being in this situation is more than just a stage or phase that people go through. If dealing with peer pressure is not handled well, it can have permanent or damaging effects. Teenagers are not the only people prone to this kind of dilemma.
As an adult you are also at risk of negative persuasion especially if the persuader is your superior or your lover. I have this friend of mine who abhors tattooing but when she got involved with this “rocker” guy I was totally shocked to see a tattoo of their names in her ankle.
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She said her “rocker” boyfriend convinced her to get a tattoo as a sign of their exclusivity and undying love. Then there’s this guy friend of mine who hasn’t smoked a stick of cigarette in his life until he ironically got accepted in this large cigarette company. He said he had no choice because his boss told him “How can you sell a product you haven’t tried?” The last time I heard he was smoking a pack and a half a day.
No matter what stage in life you are in, you have to learn the art of dealing with peer pressure or else you will suffer the consequences you want to avoid in the first place. So before you get stressed out, here are some ways in dealing with peer pressure.
Learn how to say no in a polite, non- offensive manner. For instance, if your rowdy officemates wants you to come and have a beer drinking party after work but you’re not in the mood. Instead of putting them off and risk being labeled as “boring”, it’s better to say no using their own language.
In other words, refuse them in such a way that they will understand. You can say “A beer drinking marathon? That is awesome, man! I’d really love to join but I can’t tonight. But definitely count me in the next time.” If it’s your boss who is trying to pressure you to try something against your conviction, refuse him in a well-mannered kind of way.
Another way in dealing with peer pressure is a white lie. Yes, I’m advising you to lie. If you promised yourself not to drink another glass of cognac again and you want to keep that promise then do everything you can to stand up to that promise. Even if it takes lying to your fellows.
The next time you are offered a glass of cognac, tell them the most convincing white lie. Here’s a suggestion “I loved to but I have chronic peptic ulcer disease and my doctor warned me I’ll suffer from bowel incontinence if ever I’ll take just one glass of that thing.” Another suggestion in dealing with peer pressure is to have an escape route.
Having an action plan in your pocket when you are about to be compelled by your associate is always better. One colleague of mine told me his strategy. He said before anybody notices, he leaves the building and turns off his cellphone. It saves him a lot of unnecessary mental stress.
Other ways of dealing with peer pressure is to nurture strong self esteem. This is applicable if you are being swayed by your potential partner to do something totally against your will. Remember, if he respects you, he will respect your convictions. If he’s trying to convince you in to doing something that will make you feel guilty afterwards, then assess your relationship.
Dealing with peer pressure should never be an issue if you’re in a healthy romantic relationship or with real friends. If you’re not accepted as who you are then forget it. Life is too short for pleasing too many people.
About the author
The author of this article, Ruth Purple, is a successful Relationship Coach who has been helping and coaching individuals and couples for many years. Get your copy of Ruth's latest ebook on Finding Mr. Right. Discover how you can Find Your True Love here.
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