Support Group

There are a lot of stories on peer pressure that i might have an adverse effect on individuals but for me peer pressure mostly had been a great pushing force to do things that i strive for. My extra-achiever friends were always the ones encouraging me to work harder and earn the grade that i truly aimed for.

(Posting anonymously)

I am constantly pressured by my friends to wear certain clothes, act a certain way and make certain jokes that will make them laugh. I do this to feel accepted in the group, but unfortunately for me it has meant that my own individuality is stifled. On multiple occasions, I've been pressured to do things that go against my values, like cheat on a quiz. I find it really difficult to stand my ground against them because they're in the majority and they could easily exclude me, and then I'd be left alone and isolated.

Around 10th grade, I got very involved with a few online friends (basically friends of friends). I enjoyed hanging out with them and they were good people generally but they'd often meet up to smoke or drink sheesha. I didn't mind that but I did mind when they constantly pressured me to try, constantly implying that it's "cool" or "normal." I ended up doing it a few times just so they'd keep hanging out with me but I always felt uneasy. Ultimately I distanced myself from them. It was a hard decision but I wish I'd taken it earlier.