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"But why won't you do it? What's the big deal?" "We're friends, right?" Does that sound familiar? Yeah, peer pressure. Now that's something we hear about a lot, isn't it?
Hey GEM girls! Peer pressure is something everyone will experience at one time in their lives or another. How can we resist negative peer pressure without being rude or offensive?
Peer pressure, to say it most simply, is basically an influence from others- from friends, family, or others close to us. While we mostly think of peer pressure as negative, there can be positive peer pressure as well.
But sometimes, our friends might just be pressuring us to do the wrong things.
The best thing is to just say "NO." I have struggled with this in the past (and even now sometimes), mostly because, naturally, I try to make everyone is happy. But throughout the last few years, I've realized that we can't make everyone happy. In the end, we may end up in challenging situations. "And whatsoever you do, do it heartily [from the heart], as to the Lord, and not unto men." Colossians 3:23
Going against the flow can be hard, and there's always going to be pushback. But as Christians, God made us to stand apart from the world! It's something we should be proud of! (See Elsa's post: Chosen to be Different.)
As I said before, going against the flow isn't always easy. When you friends are persistent in asking you to do something you'd rather not do, or something you know is wrong, try explaining why you aren't going to participate in whatever it is they are doing. Other times, it's best to remove yourself from those situations. Remember to ask God for wisdom in every situation!
Remember, there's positive peer pressure too! We can be a positive influence on our friends! We lead by example, and our actions speak louder than words. "And be not conformed to this world: but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good, and acceptable and perfect will of God." Romans 12:2
Do you have any other tips or suggestions for resisting negative peer pressure? Don't be afraid to leave a comment! 😊
Love,
It is true that so-called "friends" can force us to do the wildest things. But as followers of Christ, we're supposed to go against the flow, and not follow what everyone else is doing.