#YEAR12PROBLEMS

Peer pressure

Sorry to bring the news to you all that, yes, it’s Monday… again.

However, if you’re excited about that party on Friday night, that should be getting you through the week.

If you’re not excited about that party on Friday night and don’t want to go, or dread having to participate in something you just really don’t enjoy: worry not. #YEAR12PROBLEMS has your back.

Peer pressure can often be the bane of a young person’s life. Whether it’s liking the same music, going to the same places as your friends that you actually think are a bit dodgy or if it’s drinking alcohol when you don’t want to, peer pressure can make you feel quite alone.

The first thing you need to establish if you’re close to being peer pressured is your morals and what you think you’re comfortable with doing, and what you’re not. So, take drinking alcohol as an example: your own personal morals and beliefs might tell you that you don’t want to drink. That is absolutely fine.

The second thing you need to establish is if your friends are bothered or not. If your friends persist and try to make you do something you don’t like, just because they like it, you need to reevaluate whether they are actually good friends or not. Perhaps have a conversation with them, explaining why you don’t want to do what they do.

What you must remember throughout all of this is that you are a free human being and you have the choice to do what you want. If, like me, you don’t drink alcohol and all of your friends do, do not give in and have some. They aren’t good friends if they make you conform in that way. Simple. As long as you take the time to be comfortable with yourself and do what feels right for you, then you’re doing the right thing.

Have a great week. And enjoy that party.