Believe it or not

My friend was telling me about the massive drug problem at her high school. I wondered if it was hard to be in the middle of that—and if she felt pressured to join in because “everybody’s doing it.”

“I’m not ever gonna feel pressured to do something I don’t want to do,” she texted back. “So, no.” Then she sent along a string of little laughing faces.

It makes sense, doesn’t it? Peer pressure isn’t very effective when you know you’re not interested in whatever you’re being pressured to do. Your understanding of what you’re about, combined with the recognition that the pressure is powerless to influence you, keeps you from falling prey to drug use (as in my friend’s case) or other behaviors that are harmful and unproductive.

Enjoy 1 free Sentinel article or audio program each month, including content from 1898 to today.

TeenConnect: UpFront
Can grief really be healed?
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Feeling conflicted?
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Stay connected
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The acceptance letter
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Different is good
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“Dinner” with the enemy
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When life seems hard
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What you’ve taught me
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Feeling stressed?
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The ‘wow’ of church
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Into the great unknown
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Better than Google
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You can count on it
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Stop the drama
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Your healing matters
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The tie that binds
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The perfect selfie

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