About Peer Pressure

My Life and Peer Pressure

My life has been impacted by peer pressure since I was a teenager. When I was sixteen, I recall feeling left out since my friends would frequently go out to parties. I thought I was not cool and that my life was unhappy since I did not seem to be enjoying myself as much as my pals were. My parents would prevent me from hanging out with my friends, and I blamed them for every bad decision I had made. I thought they did not understand me as well as they should, and my attitude toward them shifted. The constant criticism from my pals about how uncool I was had a big impact on me. I would always go out of my way to please my peers without regard to my own safety or my parents’ warnings. However, this behavior has changed as I grow older and peer pressure is no longer a part of me. I believe it is because I am faced with responsibilities, and I have to make my own decisions which I account for. My self esteem has also tremendously increased, and I do not need approval from my peers.

Reply 1

I understand your post because I have been in your position in my teenage years too. I agree that low self-esteem and lack of confidence are the main contributors of peer pressure. Therefore, as adults, we should always be keen on our children’s behaviors, because we have been through it. We should be understanding and always seek to think independently to make our own decisions without negative influence, and this way our children who are vulnerable to peer pressure can learn from us.

Reply 2

Succumbing to peer pressure during adolescent is very easy because at that age, we are usually seeking approval. I agree that Joining a church and befriending positive minded people is helpful in getting positive influence, which in turn you can spread to your peers. I would however like to add that even when the peer pressure is positive, one should always have a firm stand regarding their decisions.