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Chapter 1 A Close-Up View of You
important. You will share many experiences that
will influence the way you see yourself. From
interacting with your peers, you make judgments
about how you look, how important you are, and
how successful you are. Your peers can make you
feel like you fit in and belong. At other times,
they can make you feel left out.
Your peers can also influence the plans you
make for your future. You may make decisions
about your education based on your peers’
choices. You might seek your best friend’s
opinion of your career or marriage partner. Peers
also influence many of your immediate actions
since you often face the same decisions that affect
them.
Sometimes your peers may make choices that
you feel are not right for you. When this happens,
you need to make your own choice rather than
follow the group. Choices related to sex, alcohol,
drugs, and tobacco can affect you for the rest of
your life.
Teens can offer understanding to one
another as they face similar situations. They
can share common experiences and feelings.
Peer relationships help you learn what qualities
you like or dislike in a friend. You also learn to
identify such qualities within yourself. These
interactions help teens understand their own
identity.
As teens spend time with their friends, they
learn to develop close relationships, 1-13. Close
friends feel accepted for who they are. They
are able to share and communicate deep inner
feelings without fear of being embarrassed or
laughed at. When young adults have trouble
developing such relationships, they feel alone
and isolated. Close relationships are important
because they help prepare the young adult for
marriage.
Your Community’s
Influence
The community in which you live is part
of your environment. Many different types of
communities exist, ranging from small towns
to big cities. Each community has a particular
influence on its residents. A community may
influence the jobs that people have, the friends
they make, and the activities they join. Most
communities offer housing, schools, parks,
recreation facilities, police and fire protection, and
places to shop and work.
The community environment is influenced by
the resources available. A variety of industries or
businesses provide job opportunities. A selection
of affordable housing allows people to meet their
housing needs. Schools with good teaching staffs,
facilities, and programs offer quality education.
Parks and recreation programs attract families
with children.
Other community resources also influence
the lives of its residents. Clean air and clean
streets provide a healthful environment. A low
crime rate makes residents feel more secure
and protected. A variety of shopping facilities
offer convenience. Opportunities to increase
knowledge are provided by libraries as well as
technical colleges and universities. Religious
institutions draw people of similar beliefs. A
community with many resources encourages
young people to stay and build a life for
themselves and their families.
1-13
Spending time together on common interests can
help develop close friendships.
What are the benefits of staying in your
home community to raise a family? Are
there any drawbacks?
Link to Your Life