“Know Where You Stand” — Stanley Popovich suggests four ways that teenage boys and young men can get beyond the anxieties created by peer pressure.
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Dealing with peer pressure can very stressful for many younger men. It can be very difficult not to give in to your friends and other people in doing something you do not want to do. As a result, here are some suggestions on how to manage the stresses and anxieties of dealing with peer pressure.
1. Know where you stand
The most important thing to do is to know where you stand on a certain issue. Ask yourself if you are willing to do something that your friends want you do. Think about it and determine for yourself where you stand on a certain task or issue. Ask yourself if it is the right thing to do and if it is legal. Determine what you want to do.
2. Communicate your position
Once you know where you stand, you need to communicate this to your friends and other people your intentions. Explain to them that you do not want to do what it is they are asking for you to do. Give them reasons on why you feel this way. Be willing to answer their questions so they understand where you are coming from.
3. Have confidence in your decision
Be firm in your decision and show confidence. Some people will continue to argue with you and this is where you need to show that you mean business. Do not give in to their arguments. Do what is right and stand with your decision. This can be tough but remind them that you do not feel comfortable in doing a certain task.
4. Find a more supportive peer group
Hang out with different people or friends who do respect your decisions. If your friends really like you, they need to respect you. Nobody wants to be with people who are trying to get them into some kind of trouble.
Peer pressure can be tough to deal with, but the important thing is to do the right thing and advocate this to others. If some people do not like it, then that is their problem.
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