Peer Pressure

Growing up is fun but it can be also be challenging. You are at that stage of your life when you are trying to figure out who actually you are, what you are good at, what you actually like doing, and a lot more stuff. Basically teenage is the phase of life where one gets to know his actual interests. It is comforting to face challenges with friends who are going through the same feelings as you are. Friends and peers can play an important role in your life. Some people come and support you while there most of them are there for discouraging. So one needs to be conscious of what is right and wrong for him.

Having friends who are good at work and are dedicated to their work can motivate you towards doing the best to achieve goals and being dedicative to your work. While others who are there for discouraging can just discourage and de motivate you at every point of your of life. Kind, genuine and helpful friends help you inculcate these qualities and hence form lasting bond of friendship.

Your peer group can help you take decisions, give you a truthful feedback and provide support in case of conflicts. peers can encourage you to try out new things – from changing your hairstyle , dressing style, food habits to what courses to take up , what games to play , etc. Also sometimes your peers may be the reason of your stress. Your opinions may vary from those of your friends but sometimes you may reluctantly give in because you want to be accepted among your peers. Whereas if you are against something and don’t feel comfortable while doing that particular activity then the best option is to refuse. Inner strength and self-confidence can help you stand firm and walk away from unhealthy practices when you know better.

True, role of peers carry more weight and power than the parents. Parents should thus stay positive as positive and constructive forces around your child can serve as a catalyst for his/her change and growth. If you surround yourself with friends who are polite and well-mannered and have had the right kind of upbringing, you will probably never go wrong in life. While you are constantly influenced by those around you, the ultimate decision to act or not to act in a certain way rests with you. Be true to yourself and remain committed to your values to limit the effect that others can have on your actions and beleifs.

Having said that, though peer pressure has both negative and positive attribute to it, what is important is how you look at the same. A constructive, goal setting, positive thinking group of peers are indeed good for self-development.