Peer Pressure

Peer pressure is a huge subject that is prominent in schools and our environment everyday. Peer pressure and depression go hand in hand I feel. Since we are so worried about what other people may think, we get too involved in what is happening and forget to care about what we think is best for ourselves.  Peer pressure is a very tough thing to avoid or get sucked into. As we are constantly growing and changing, we want people around us to like us- that is a natural human want. Some people may grow and change so they are liked in the wrong ways, but they think that is what is best for them because they want to feel accepted. I see a lot of this peer pressure as kids grow older and go through schooling. Selecting friends is a process. Besides feeling that you and others connect together, you want to be liked and asked to hang out often. To feel like you're accepted is also a really tough spot to fit in, especially when your new "friends" aren't doing activities you enjoy doing. I think even though kids want to fit in and feel accepted, they also need to keep in mind of what their values and morals are. Naturally, as kids grow into young adults and adults their need for approval goes down. I also feel kids spend too much time with concern for what others think and should focus on themselves. I wonder if kids only focused on what they had going on around them and themselves rather than the stress of being accepted by different friend groups and doing things outside of their comfort zone, what would happen to the levels of stress and peer pressure in our society. Unfortunately, peer pressure is something that will be around all the time!