Now when I say 'relationships', I don't mean just romantic, I also am speaking of platonic relationships which won't progress to a romantic level. It's happened to all of us, from smoking dope to getting drunk, there's always the people who try to egg us on, even when made very plain that you aren't comfortable in such and such activity. "Come on, just one more drink." "Oh come on, it's just another hit, you can take it." It goes from simple egging to the annoying ones who won't just let the concept die.

I've had many different accounts of peer pressure happening in both romantic AND platonic relationships. Probably my favorite was, "You don't trust me." Yes, I was TOLD this because I refused to go out drinking at the bars with my friends. He had completely ignored the fact I was uncomfortable indulging myself with alcohol, or dope. Now, I mean not to ruffle any feathers, I am fine with all sorts of activities, but keep in mind that I am on MEDICATION, and mixing meds with anything else? NOT a good idea.

The main reason why I even discuss this, is that tonight is my friends 21st birthday. She wants to drink, she wants to go out dancing and have all sorts of fun... But. I'm not comfortable in taking shots or indulging myself with alcohol. One, I get super weird and edgy while drinking, that and I'm slowly trying to cut back on the cancer sticks.

How hard is it to make yourself clear to your friends? How many times does one need to say 'no', in order for it to stick? How can you make yourself clear to the point where they'll finally stop f*cking asking?!

Have a peer pressure story? I'd love to hear it, I know it happens to everyone, but the simple fact I have refused alcohol for MONTHS coupled with the fact she tried to pull the birthday card on me leaves me frustrated, and... Pissy, I'm not going to lie.

Well the ex hubby peer pressured me into lots of things...LOL!

If it were a friends birthday & I didn't want to indulge, then I would likely offer to be the designated driver and get them home safe. You just have to put your foot down with them & say NO means NO!

Not only say No, but once you say it care less what they think, say, or feel. I had to learn that one. Now it doesn't bother me at all.

I haven't touched alcohol since I was 22, and I never will again. Anyone who tries to talk me into drinking or who even tries to do it around me isn't someone I want in my life.

Yeah, I was peer pressured into some things when I was younger. Not any more. You get rid of the peer, the pressure goes right along with him. Or her.

I think it's natural that others may get you to drink more, or offer drugs, etc. You're free to do as you wish. Why not? I, myself, can't exactly exclude my old school friends i've known since 1993, just cos of the fact that a few may take drugs or drink. As i have a special bond with each one of em. I moreso stick by them if they choose to go into rehab, or not.

I always say ignore peer pressure and just be your own unique person - free from the will of others, as much as you can. Too many lemmings out there anyway! Be bold and blaze your own trail, even if it's a trail of calm and quiet originality.

On the other hand, sometimes others have interesting POVs to consider for personal growth and the overall adventure that is life. You'll know the true path deep within your soul - search it regularly.

All the best!


FantasyArtMan

My old Lady has been nagging me for weeks to go out with her. The peer pressure was getting to me so I grabbed a hammer and me her went out into the yard. I filled up her swimming pool with water and she just started jumping up and down in the yard. I gave up peer pressuring her to stop digging holes in the yard but asked her why she kept digging in the same holes she had dug in before. Then I noticed her lay down after she had scooted all the dirt where she wanted it. I told her that it was a nice hole but I wanted to pull nails out of the boards a friend helped me to get this morning. She gave me this 'suit yourself' look and then came over and took a drink out of the swimming pool. I know that she will whining at the front door soon because I am in here and she usually likes to scratch the carpet in my room next to the computer. I guess her trying to dig holes in the yard is better than her trying to dig holes in my room. Yup, she is in my room, again. But maybe she will stop trying to dig a hole in the floor.

People are simply sometime selfish and thoughtless. Probably not
intentionally trying to cause problems but they do so anyway. My
technique such as it is - ignore the offending comment and just
say - it's not my thing right now.

Then, I let it all go. No anger no frustration just acceptance that
the person who was doing the coercion was not intending to be
obnoxious. But I refuse to let it get to me and spoil my good mood
if I can help it.

Most of the time it actually works.

My best friend is probly the best person to ever walk into my house. He helped me realize that I'm not a loser...

My bf on the otherhand....wants me to do something i would never do as well as smoke pot (but I hold my own and he knows when to give up.)

Hey, is that best friend available? Sounds like he might be a better match for you, at least on some levels!

Good luck, and hang in there!


FantasyArtMan

I wish lol, he only likes girls