Unit 1 You and Others 28
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Peers serve an important purpose in your life. They provide you with
friendships that make you feel wanted and give you a sense of belonging.
This feeling of belonging is important, especially during your school
years. Having friends your own age helps you feel secure. You and your
friends can go places together. Peers listen to one another’s problems
and plans. You can talk about your opinions, ideas, likes, and dislikes
with your peers.
You may want to look and act like your peers. You fi t into a group if
you look and act like the other members. Some of your peers may feel they
have to buy certain clothes or have certain hairstyles to be “in.” There is
nothing wrong with wanting to look and act like your peers. This can give
you a feeling of security.
Sometimes, however, peers try to infl uence you to make decisions. This
infl uence is called
peer
pressure. If the infl uence is not right for you, it is
called negative peer pressure. An example is when a friend tells you to ignore
the time your parents told you to be home.
If peers infl uence you to do something that is good for you, it is called
positive peer pressure. An example is when a friend urges you to go home on
time to show respect for your parents.
Reading
Review
1. What important purposes do peers serve in your life?
2. Explain negative peer pressure. Give some examples.
3. Why should you always be honest with your peers?
Families and Friends
When your friends visit your home for the fi rst time, introduce them
to your family. Your family is interested in meeting your friends. Family
members care about the friends you choose because they care about you.
Succeed in Succeed u c e i i n LLifeefi e
Handling Peer Pressure
It is not easy to handle negative peer pressure. The way others act
may not refl ect your beliefs. Stand up for what you believe is right. You must
think about what actions are right for you. Talk to adults you trust about peer
pressure you feel from friends.
Being honest with your feelings is a good way to deal with peer pressure.
Sometimes friends disagree. Though friends say yes, you can say no. Tell
them about your beliefs. Tell them how your thoughts are different from theirs.
Good friends respect one another’s differences.