Saying No

Last Updated on Monday, 15 March 2010 14:23

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Saying NO can be one of the biggest challenges. So why is it so hard to say this little, two letter word?

Often we just want to fit in or be cool, so we go along with the crowd and block out that guilty feeling and the image of our parents disappointed faces, putting off the consequences until later. But learning to say no is something we all have to do at some stage, kind of like learning to tie your shoelaces, ride a bike or tell the time.

Actually it can be a pretty handy word, especially when it comes to dealing with peer pressure, which can be obvious when someone actually tells you to do something or not so obvious, when it is unspoken.

Spoken peer pressure is when a whole group of your mates or acquaintances try to push you into doing or trying something you don’t want to do. Unspoken peer pressure is when you feel pressure just from watching how others act or dress, without them saying a word to you. This can sometimes be harder to resist because instead of standing up to a friend, you're standing up to how you feel inside.

There are heaps of situations which could involve peer pressure, especially when it comes to drinking or taking drugs. You might be at a party having a good time, just chilling out with your mates and next thing you know someone offers you a drink, a joint or asks if you want to take a pill. You politely decline, but everyone is staring at you to see what you say and you start to feel your cheeks go bright red. Next thing you know, everyone is on your case, telling you it’s harmless fun and to stop being such a loser. Even your so-called best friend joins in.