I had something come to mind today. I remember my Psychology teacher saying how humans are social creatures. When you honestly think about it as more than a nice phrase, you can realize how deep it really is. Humans are social creatures. We want to be accepted, and we want to be liked. There isn’t a person out there that doesn’t genuinely want friends. But when you think about that, you wonder how far a person will go to be accepted. What things are a person willing to do in order to be liked? It’s sad if you think about it. Some truly wonderful people can easily be thrown into this situation and easily come out in worse shape then where they started.
Peer pressure is all around us. It’s not always as blunt as “sleep with me and you’ll be cool.” Sometimes there’s minuet things that can slowly change person, just because they have a desire to be accepted. Each person has their own beliefs, and each person has their own boundaries. We have lines that we don’t want to cross. When I mean ‘peer pressure’ I’m talking about everything. Not just someone asking you to do drugs, alcohol, and have sex. I’m meaning what’s inside you as well. How many people are willing to change their insides to fit in? Are you one of those people who doesn’t draw their boundary lines in permanent ink? If the people around you want you to change your inner thoughts, or your inner being, would you? Would you erase that boundary line, and draw it further, just to fit in?
Nowhere is it written that you have to conform anyone to be accepted. You are your own person. When you change to fit in, you are giving up your identity inside. If whatever makes you YOU isn't good enough for someone, then that someone isn't worth it. The very famous, Dr. Seuss, once said said, "Be who you are and say what you feel because those who mind don't matter, and those who matter don't mind." It means not to change yourself. If the people around you don't like you for who you are, that's their loss. You'll find, that in the world, there are millions of people out there. The ones that you find, who like you for you, can definitely replace the holes left by the ones who tried to change you.
Don't ever change yourself, and your boundaries, just to fit in.
Be your own person. Only change when YOU want to change something, and only when that something isn't because you want to fit in.
Sadly, I have always been one to succomb to peer pressure and have allowed myself to do things that I later regretted. I am learning to set boundaries and to not let other's people behavior and choices dictate who I am or how I should act. I thank God for the healing I have gone through in this area of my life.
ReplyDeleteFirst off, I'd like to thank you for the comment. I'm so glad to know that you guys are reading what I have to say, and getting something out of it.
ReplyDeleteWe've all succumbed to peer pressure at least twice in our life. It's a normal, natural, reaction. I'm so happy to hear that you're learning to set boundaries. I have to remind myself to do that a lot, at times. It's not an easy thing to do. God can heal all wounds, though, and help you through any obstacle.
I know, also from experience, that peer pressure is easy to fall into; much harder to fall out of. But once you learn to set your boundaries, you can find the friends that truly matter. :) You'll be much happier with yourself.
I wish the best for you and your daughter.
Thank you for the comment, Cari.
DanausClarus