College is supposed to be a time for finding yourself and shaping your values. Sadly, it’s not always the case. Peer pressure does not end in high school. You might feel that you have to go to parties and get wasted, so you can fit in.
Otherwise, you will risk ending up as a loner. Luckily, it doesn’t have to be that way. You can deal with peer pressure without running relationships and build meaningful connections instead.If you feel overwhelmed with academic assignments, don’t give in to the temptation of hiring an essay pro writer to do your work for you. While it might provide a quick fix, it won’t help you develop the critical thinking and writing skills that are essential for success in college and beyond.
Here are a few things to keep in mind to make the most out of your college years without falling prey to peer pressure.
Know Your Limits
Setting clear boundaries is a must. It is hard to pressure you to do anything if you know your limits. College is perfect for trying something new that exceeds academic adventures. But it doesn’t mean that you have to compromise your comfort and sense of identity for that.
Understand what you can let slide and what is absolutely not okay. Do not be afraid of missing out on all the crazy party experiences if this is not your scene. It’s totally okay to stay in and browse for the write an essay for me service instead. But to be comfortable with this choice, you need to know your limits. And learn to tell people about them.
Non-Judgemental No
You have every right to defend your boundaries. But in some situations, you don’t need to be harsh. Sometimes your peers may genuinely want to include you in the group. It might still feel pushy, though. So, let them know that you’re not interested politely. A good old “thanks, it’s not for me” would work just fine here.
Let’s say your classmates are asking you out on a bender. And wild drunk environments are just not your thing. No matter how enthusiastic they are, tell them no. But without sounding like you are judging their choices. Otherwise, you might come off as snobbish, which will not help you maintain amicable relationships. There is a way to stand your ground gently.
Humor
Speaking about defending your boundaries with grace, do not underestimate the power of humor. Jokes are often the best way to de-escalate. Granted, it wouldn’t work in more intense situations. Yet, if that’s just your classmates nagging you to go for more shots, you can always rely on this strategy.
Keep it light-hearted. Do not overdo it by going into snarky territory. Laugh at yourself rather than others. Say, “I will quote an entire Princess Diaries if I get wasted,” rather than, “I don’t want to spend my evening with your drunk sobbing.” Thus, you’re not beating yourself up too much or being nasty to others.
Avoid Triggering Situations
Still, not every case can be dealt with politeness and jokes. Some environments are just more risky and even dangerous. Of course, you don’t have to say no to every party ever. But if you feel uncomfortable going bar hopping, it’s better to avoid it altogether.
You won’t always feel in the mood to resist peer pressure. So, always listen to your needs. There are alternatives to situations that might be triggering. Gather with people you know in a private setting. And if they want to go to a club or a bar afterward, you can just stay behind. That is if you’re not feeling like going out.
Move Away
Some people just don’t know how to compromise. Or respect your boundaries. The best thing you can do here is remove yourself from their company. And you don’t have to be rude about it. It might take some effort to speak directly about your feelings, but it’s worth it in the long run.
Tell them that you don’t feel comfortable in their company. Stress that the lifestyle is just not for you. Thus, you won’t be attacking their choices but emphasizing your needs instead. You are your biggest priority. So, there is no need to spend time with people who want you to change yourself completely.
Share Your Worries With Someone
Breaking up with a friend group is not that easy. If you have to do it, it’s best to have someone to talk to about it. Whether it’s a college counselor or your roommate, they just need to be open to a frank conversation. There is a lot to learn during college years, but you don’t have to go through it on your own.
Besides, this person can help you do the necessary break up. If you have doubts or you don’t know how to approach this conversation, an objective outsider is quite an assistance. They can help you rip off that band and move forward. So, if you feel overwhelmed by the pressuring situation, schedule a meeting with your counselor without any hesitation.
Look for Like-Minded People
Finally, the best way to avoid peer pressure and damaged relationships is to find people with the same values and mindset as your own. There are a million ways to have fun in college and be yourself. You just need the right people to accompany you. College is a diverse environment with tons of clubs and societies to explore.
Sign up for extracurriculars of your choice. Sign up for your local book club if you love to read. You likely have better chances of stumbling upon your crowd there. Or, you can even start your own club if there is none. There is more to college than frat parties. You just have to look for opportunities, and they will find you.
Wrapping Up
That’s about it. To withstand peer pressure without ruining relationships, know your limits. If you’re struggling to balance your academic workload with social pressures, consider seeking the help of professional essay writers who can alleviate some of your stress by providing high-quality essays for your assignments.
You have to understand what line you would never cross and stick to it. Learn how to say no and use humor without sounding judgemental. But remember that you can always simply avoid uncomfortable situations or cut toxic people off. Just have someone to support you on this path. And finally, look for like-minded people who won’t be pressuring you.
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