Anecdote

Peer Pressure

86 Comments

I don’t drink. Not even as a social drinker. Often I am in a situation where my friends, colleagues tease me for being such a tight ass.

I am health conscious and always watch what I eat. My travel and nature of job often land me in a situation where I get scornful eyes for not indulging. Some even go further and take it as an insult.

I am grown up now, but I had my moments in the past when I almost gave in to such a social stigma. When I surrendered to situations, letting go of my long-held principles, afraid of getting left out. But soon I realized what I was made up of and refused to succumb, for some miscreant mind perturbations.

Hence, growing up I was never part of the coolest group, neither was officially invited to some of the crazy outings nor being popular amongst the popular girls, for my sober outlook was my taboo. A deterrent obstacle that refrained me from enjoying so-called worldly vices.

I won’t lie. At times I was shattered and devastated. My self-confidence was at rock bottom and the sheer feeling of being left out was detrimental. But there was an unseen force that held me together. And I learned to be happy within the realm of my self-governed principles. Soon I realized I was not alone, there were many like me. I understood how I was blurred by some superficial glaze. And how it overpowered all the goodness that existed in the world.

The day my self-realization became strong, I was able to pick the signals from the noise and life was beautiful. I made my share of friends and had my quantum of fun, for the definition of fun is relative, it is an individual perspective. Once you stop running after things because of peer pressure and focus on what actually makes you happy, you will see the outlook I am drawing.

Till today I face the same question from my colleagues and friends and all I do is smile and say to myself, I have my share of happiness. I have nothing against any of the choices my friends make. I don’t detest them or look at them with aberrant eyes. In the end, it is their definition of happiness and I have chosen mine. And both can happily coexist.

So, my friends here is a little bit of advice. Don’t go after things just because you are afraid of being left out. Stick to your principles and enjoy life on your own terms.

Copyright © Shantanu Baruah

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86 thoughts on “Peer Pressure”

  1. It’s good that you don’t drink and also good that you stand by what you want to do and don’t do.

  10. I have also taken some heat from family members who have wanted me to kick back a few with them……….knowing it is against all medical advice for me to drink. Sometimes people want to pull you into their “fun” so they don’t feel guilty drinking. Good for you for doing what is right/best for you!

  17. Great post with great advice .. 😊
    “ we shouldn’t go after things just because we are afraid of being left out.“

  18. Excellent advise! You are absolutely right – loosing yourself in offer to find social approval is so not worth it!
    Good job done with sticking to your principles!👏👏

  22. Absolutely Shantanu! You don’t have to feel sorry about your likes and dislikes!👍
    #hatsOff to you for sticking to your beliefs!❤️

  31. You are welcome Shantanu.
    Yes, couldn’t fall asleep, so I thought I would catch up with my reading in the quiet of the night. 😊
    Thanks for asking.

  35. This is really good advice.

    It’s important to never undermine our values just so we can fit in or meet expectations. I think half the time people can’t accept differences, be it in others or their own selves.

  36. Wow, nice example of yourself and providing a reassuring advice to everyone who needs to stick with their principle. It’s really hard to hold strong and tight on your principles and morals while many others are doing the opposite, but this post really does reassure me to hold on tight to what I think is right for me. Thanks for the post 🙂

  40. I can totally understand that. Specially in today’s time, if youngsters don’t drink, they are considered outsiders. I too am seen holding a glass of water wherever I go haha. It takes strength to hold on to one’s principles but that strength is the one which makes us happy at the end of the day.

  42. Nowwww….. It makes me wonder… what could be your vice🙄🤔 lol. Don’t think 🤔🙄I ever gave in..maybe once or twice.

    Great post. I’m sure all would relate to it. Principles make our Persona. I hold high regards to my principles and respect those to stick to theirs..hail🙌

  43. what i always found interesting that while forcing the next person to participate they are the ones who can’t understand the indifference but consider the next person rigid! peer pressure remains the same regardless of the age
    very nice blog

  48. Beautiful and an appropriate response to the peer pressure.People tend to give in and lose their originality by giving in to the peer pressure.I can totally relate to this as I faced the same situation at my work place during the business trips and I never gave in.Its a strong decision but it takes you the long way.
    Btw ,I don’t buy your fact of not being popular among girls.hahaha

  60. I’m just like you, Shantanu. I don’t need worldly vices to enjoy life. And I was never one to succumb to peer pressure.

  68. Your post is so relatable. And after reading this may be I will bother less when doing my thing or sticking to my principles bothers anyone else.
    And I got one more reason to like you😊

  72. This is a wonderful post about being true to yourself and staying strong against peer pressure. Thank you so much for sharing. -Jill

  77. Where there is will there is a way…
    Loved reading it…I’m very happy not because u don’t drink …but because of ur principles….it is very tough to stand alone and face the world….❤❤🙂brother

  79. I can connect with this. I don’t drink either but I hate being forced , I have learned to put my foot down.
    Your post is inspirational to say the least.

  81. Loved it! So beautifully penned, transparent and expressive. 👏👏So proud of you. You are right, Saying “No” to Peer Pressure allows you live your own dreams, in your own skin and be uniquely you!
    Yonnie😊💜

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