If you’re a teenager, at some point in your life you have been the victim of peer pressure. If you haven’t, you’re probably going to be a victim of peer pressure at at least one point in your life. The truth is that as long as you’re surrounded by people, there’s going to be someone or a group of people who want to do something that you don’t want to do.As you move further up the social ladder, it becomes more and more difficult. However, saying no isn’t easy and although there are many reasons why you should say no, I can understand why it would be difficult. I mean, it’s easy enough for parents to tell you something but let’s be honest, the majority of us don’t have the guts to say no and you know what, no one’s going to hate you just because you give in.

So because most of you probably don’t like suffering from the mistakes of peer pressure in the future, there is a way to say no and save face.

One way to avoid giving in to peer pressure is to hang out with someone who has similar morals and beliefs to you. If you’re at a party and everyone’s getting completely drunk, it’s easier to say no if you have someone with you who doesn’t want to do it either. Trust me, there are loads of people who feel exactly the way you do, you just have to find them.

However, if you’re stuck in a situation where you have no one, then it’s time to come up with an excuse. If someone asks you to take part in underage drinking and you don’t want to, say something like , “No I need to stay sober to make sure that nothing bad happens to you guys. Who’s going to look after you when you’re drunk and can’t see straight?”

The truth is that most people sincerely don’t care if you don’t do what they do as long as you don’t judge them, harass them or ‘snitch’ on them. After all, it’s their choice not yours. Just remember, most people are temporary in your life, don’t let them force you to do anything. Chances are that if they invited you they’ll still like you for you the next day.

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