"Under Pressure" by Chadrawattie Kadar

Under Pressure

by Chandrawattie Kadar


So often we hear students (well, mostly teenagers) complain about peer pressure. Yet, some of us still can't understand the reason for this pressure. Sometimes all you have to do is say, "No." Saying no doesn't mean you are a punk or want to back down. It just means you are strong enough to know where you want to go in life. Saying no prevents you from making mistakes that you will regret later in life. Making mistakes is part of life, but knowing that you can make the right choice without regretting it later is a wonderful thing. People should make mistakes so they can learn from them, not because someone else told them to. As we grow older, friends, companions and maybe even family are going to be putting us under pressure, but there is a limit to everything. I know the circumstances of saying no to your family can be really hard, especially if you're the kind of person who lives to please your parents. I'm not saying this is a bad thing. It shows you have respect for them. I would do anything for my parents, but sometimes you have got to say, "No." You cannot live someone else's life. You only get one chance at living the life you want, so you have got to make the most of it. We have got to grab every chance in life like it is our last. There is no time for regrets and what ifs.

Pressure from Parents

As I have observed for the past couple of weeks, teenagers who say no to their parents feel as though they are a disappointment. For some people, that can be very discouraging. It makes you stop wanting to try. What's the use? It doesn't matter anymore. Well, I've got news for you: Don't live your life to please anyone. I know you go by the rules, but sometimes you've got to break out. Make choices that are going to benefit you in the long run. It's hard trying to live up to people's standards. I know, because I have tried not once but many times til I've realized that that is just not who I want to be. In a couple of months or years, you might feel the same way.

Peer Pressure

Peer pressure is another reason why many people give in. Listen to this: "Come on. All of us are cutting math class. Who wants to take a quiz anyway? We are just going to walk around and get some lunch," says the coolest kid in your class. Now tell me, would you do what is right and go to class, would you skip because the cool kid said so?

As we get older, we will be faced with many challenges. For some of these challenges, we won't have a right or wrong answer. Sometimes the answer won't even be clear, but whatever you decide will effect your life. Making decisions on your own is hard enough, but when other people get involved and try to pressure you one way or another, it can get even more complicated. Peer pressure comes from people your age (like your classmates) and sometimes even your parents. Your peers influence your life--even if you don't realize it--because you spend so much time with them. You learn from them, and they learn from you. it's only natural to listen and learn from others in your age group.

Why do some teenagers (or people in general) give in to peer pressure?

Some kids give in to peer pressure because they want to fit in. They want to stand with the cool crowd. Being popular is a major reason for a kid to give in. Some kids give in because they are scared that they will get teased and made fun of. You have to be a leader, NOT a follower. I know it's hard to fit in, but sometimes the coolest thing to do is say NO. Giving in may seem like the best answer, or like the coolest thing, at the moment, but really it's not. Saying yes to those that are trying to bring you down only proves to them that they can get you to do what they want. On the other hand, others just go along with peer pressure because they are curious to try out new stuff. To tell you the truth, the idea of "everyone is doing it" might influence you to leave your better judgment or your common sense behind.

How can you walk away from peer pressure?

I understand it is tough to be the only one to say no to peer pressure but you can do it. Plus, paying attention to your beliefs and how you feel can help you make the right decision. Inner strength and self-confidence can help you stand firm, walk away and resist doing something wrong when you know better. It would be even easier to make good decisions if you have a peer or friend that is willing to say no too. It's wonderful to have friends with similar values as yours. These are friends who are going to back you up when you don't want to do something. Have your teachers or parents ever told you to choose your friends wisely? Well, peer pressure is one of the main reasons why they say that. Even if you are faced with peer pressure, just say no and walk away. Better yet, make new friends. Just stay away from the peers that pressure you to do things you don't want to do. If that doesn't work, talk to someone you trust. And please don't feel guilty if you made a few mistakes because life is all about making mistakes. We have got to make them in order to learn from them, right? Peer pressure isn't always a bad thing. It just depends on what type of friends you have. Hang out with friends that make it possible for you to say, "My best friend is the one who brings out the best in me."