People change and grow as they go through different phases in life. If you recognise when this happens you can help support them in their development.
No matter how much progress you make there will always be the people who insist that whatever you’re trying to do is impossible. People aren’t always right :)
Spend more time sharing the good news than gossiping about the bad. Notice the effect it has on your mood and the quality of your relationships.
If you hurt someone by accident, apologise immediately and ask if they are okay before they have a chance to react. This will diffuse the situation and show that you care.
If you don’t want to do something that your friends want you to do, you can choose not to do it. You shouldn’t have to do anything that you don’t want to do. If they are really your friends they should respect you and not make you do things that make you uncomfortable.
Peer pressure is feeling like you have to do something just because all your friends are doing it. It’s okay to say no and make your own choices.
Be respectful of others’ opinions. If they differ from yours, find out what different information they are based on, as this new information may change yours.
Remember that, one day, you will be a role model for someone else. Your behaviours and influence will be picked up by younger people – good or bad. Think how you would want to positively influence their life, and what parts of you they would admire.
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.
Don’t always apply child rules when you are an adult. For example, as children we are told “Don’t talk to strangers”, for safety. As adults, you can do this and make new friends.