Content

• Steps
• Method 1 of 4: Responding to peer pressure right away
• Method 2 of 4: How to Prepare for Peer Pressure
• Method 3 of 4: Coping with Peer Influence
• Method 4 of 4: Rely on the support of loved ones

If you feel pressure from people to force you to do something you don't want to do, there are many ways to adequately respond to them. Be prepared to respond immediately and respond to peer pressure. Avoid places where people might be doing something illegal or other things that make you uncomfortable. Rely on people to support you: friends, family, or a counselor.

Steps

Method 1 of 4: Responding to peer pressure right away

1. 1 Just say no in a way that will be believed. The easiest way to respond to peer pressure is to simply refuse. Refusing at the moment will save you from having to refuse such a request in the future, since you immediately clearly state that you are not interested. Be firm, look the person straight in the eye.In this way, you show that you are not going to compromise.
   • There are many ways to refuse. For example, say, "I won't do this," or "No thanks, I don't want to." You can also say, "I will probably refuse, thank you."
   • Be careful and do not get fooled by trying to call you a coward or take it for granted. Be firm in your decision.
2. 2 Change the subject if you are uncomfortable answering a question. If you simply avoid answering the question, the person may decide that you are interested in what they have to offer, but just don't want to answer for now. Subsequently, this can result in even greater pressure. If you change the subject, you can at least take the time until you are ready to answer (or decide not to answer at all). By avoiding the situation, you show that you are not interested in it and are not going to respond.
   • Try changing the subject by saying, “Would you like to watch this movie with me? I have been planning to go to it for a long time, but it’s boring to go alone ”.
   • If at a party someone insists on offering you a drink, try asking, "How do you like this DJ?"
3. 3 Come up with an excuse to leave. This is a great way if you are shy or afraid of rejection, or don't want to sound rude. Come up with a reason why you urgently need to run, apologize and try to leave as soon as possible.
   • Say: “Oh, I completely forgot, I have an algebra test tomorrow, and I need to prepare,” or: “I almost forgot! I need to go to Marina - we are writing a report together. "
   • If the person insists, send a message to a friend or parent and ask them to call you. Wait for the call, answer, and then apologize to the company and tell them that you urgently need to run.
   • Make your pretext believable. Don't say you need to help your sister if you don't have a sister.

Method 2 of 4: How to Prepare for Peer Pressure

1. 1 Make your own decisions. Do what you see fit and make your own decisions. Some people may ask you to do something that will force you to step out of your comfort zone in a good way, but be aware of any negative consequences that may arise.
   • If you are going to make a decision, ask yourself, “How good and useful is this for me? Will it make my life more positive and brighter? Am I exactly sure how I feel about this? "
   • Don't make decisions based on what other people want from you or what they think is best for you.
2. 2 Come up with an answer. If you haven't experienced peer pressure yet, or just want to respond correctly next time, think about how to respond when asked about something you don't want to do. If you prepare your answer in advance, you will not feel pressured, because when you are asked to do something, you will already know what to say.
   • For example, consider how to respond if someone asks you to cheat, lie, or take drugs. You can simply answer "no, thanks", or you can come up with something specific for each situation.
   • Don't go astray trying to dissuade others from this idea. Use self-statements and focus on your own position.
3. 3 Avoid places and situations in which you feel uncomfortable. If you have doubts that people are gathering before an event to drink or take drugs, say that you will meet at the event itself. By avoiding situations that might seduce you, you also avoid peer pressure.
   • For example, if you're still in school, stop going to unattended parties and meeting people you know use drugs.
   • Trust your instincts. If you think something is going wrong, don't hesitate to change your plans. If you feel uncomfortable at the party, don't be afraid to leave.
4. 4 Choose positive friends. When it comes to peer pressure, start by choosing the right friends who won't pressure you. Your friends should accept you for who you are, not wanting to change you. If your friends don't make bad decisions, you probably won't make them either.
   • Choose your friends based on common interests, not because they are "cool" or "popular." You should like them and take care of you.
   • Try to make friends with people with whom you have common interests. For example, if you see a person reading a book that you really like, try starting a conversation with him about that book and getting to know the person better.

Method 3 of 4: Coping with Peer Influence

1. 1 Keep a journal and write down your feelings. It is difficult to deal with the feelings that arise from peer pressure. You can be good friends with someone and then feel betrayed if your friend tries to pressure you to do something. You may even begin to wonder if it is worth ending this friendship. Analyzing and accepting these emotions can be difficult, so try journaling to help you deal with your feelings and deal with stress.
   • A diary should be something personal where you can safely write about your thoughts and feelings. Be honest with yourself when you write.
   • Sometimes you can flip through your notes to remember how you felt and thought in the past and what worked for you.
2. 2 Please select a different company. If your current friends keep pushing you all the time, it might be time to find new friends. Think about the good moments with them and compare them to the bad ones. If you feel like your friends are pushing you much more than you would like, if they are not trying to improve, make new friends. Saying goodbye to friends can be tough, but it's even harder to keep saying no and trying to deal with the pressure they are putting on you.
   • You can meet new people if you volunteer, karate, dance, or whatever.
   • If you're still in school, try joining a class, joining a school sports team, or taking part in a school play. Choose an activity that doesn't include friends in your circle.
3. 3 Engage in rewarding activities. Another way to avoid peer pressure is to spend your free time in activities that you truly enjoy. They will help you meet new people with whom you have common interests, with whom you can spend time the way you like.
   • Try different activities until you find one that you like. For example, try sewing or woodcarving, take photography classes, go hiking, or start cycling.
   • Find out which classes you can attend in your school: music, theater, math, or some other. You can also play sports such as football, gymnastics, volleyball or basketball.

Method 4 of 4: Rely on the support of loved ones

1. 1 Ask a friend for help. If you have a friend whose values ​​are similar to yours, try to go to different events together. You will be able to control each other, as well as observe each other. Support each other and make the right decisions together.
   • For example, if your friend is having a hard time saying no to someone, step in and say, “We're going to the mall now.”
2. 2 Talk to a trusted friend. If you are struggling with peer pressure, talk to someone you trust. A friend could give you some tips on how they deal with peer pressure on their own, and you could use these tips. In addition, a friend could help you respond to peer attempts to point you in the future.It's okay to admit that you are struggling with this, and most likely your friends will want to help you.
   • For example, try saying, “Look, Roma wants to cheat on my homework all the time, but I'm tired of it. How do you deal with such situations? "
3. 3 Talk to your parents. Your parents will definitely want to support you and help you succeed. If you are struggling with peer pressure, it may be wise to reach out to your parents. They may have several ideas to help them deal with the pressure. If there are no other options, ask your parents to listen and understand you.
   • Parents will at least be able to hug you and say that they love you.
   • You may find it awkward or difficult to talk to your parents, but think about how embarrassing it will be to talk to them that you have succumbed to peer pressure and are in a very unpleasant situation.
4. 4 Seek help from a psychologist or psychotherapist. Find a good specialist on the Internet or through friends. If you are still a minor, ask your parents.
   • The specialist will teach you to better express your feelings and build your self-confidence.
   • A psychologist or psychotherapist will listen to you and give you advice. Say whatever you think - do not be afraid, you will not be judged.
   • Sometimes it happens that you and the psychotherapist do not find a common language. If you feel uncomfortable around him or you don't feel any progress, try another specialist.