Peer pressure is one of the most common reasons people give for starting to smoke. Your peers are the group of people around the same age as you, often with the same interests as you, and who may go to your school, college or at your work place.
You may feel that you need to fit in with them by doing and liking the same things as everyone else. Mostly often, this is to get into the in-crowd or out of fear of being bullied.
Often most people attend social parties, family re-unions, night clubs, get togethers and other social function events, ect.. just to have fun, but only to discover unexpected challenges through interacting with others.A person might be offered a cigarette only as a sign of friendship, due to fact that in most social circles all over the world smoking is still regarded as a status symbol and one may find it tempting to accept the offer.In most cases a person is not physically forced to smoke but he or she may feel under pressure from others and eventually see the need to smoke as a sign of showing respect or fitting in with the rest.
Why Do People Give in to Peer Pressure?
Some people give in to peer pressure because they want to be liked, to fit in, or because they worry that other collegues may make fun of them if they don’t go along with the group. Others may go along because they are curious to try something new that others are doing. The idea that “everyone’s doing it” may influence some people to leave their better judgment, or their common sense, behind.
How to Walk Away From Peer Pressure
It is tough to be the only one who says “no” to peer pressure, but you can do it. Paying attention to your own feelings and beliefs about what is right and wrong can help you know the right thing to do. Inner strength and self-confidence can help you stand firm, walk away, and resist doing something when you know better.Even media plays a big role as advertisers want you to feel that the best people (the young, rich, handsome, beautiful and healthy) smoke his brand. So if you want to be young, rich, handsome, beautiful and healthy you’d better smoke the advertised brand, too.
It is therefore in your best interest to stay away from bad influences and going for councelling to get help, in order to feel better and prepare you for the next time you face peer pressure.”Happy Quitting”
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