““I am not in this world to live up to your expectations and you’re not in this world to live up to mine.”  – Bruce Lee

I hated my neighbour and I’ll tell you why. My mom loved to compare me with Naveen (name changed) who she felt was a demigod of some sort. Coming home after every result day, she would make this big announcement, “See, Naveen, he’s got a distinction, and you…. only a first class? You need to learn something from him.” Indian parents can be the most loving parents but sometimes can break you. I then had the obligation to be like Naveen just to impress my mom. From a young age, we fall into this deep pit of wanting to be like someone else and never satisfied with who you are.
I remember a friend of mine in college who was so determined to lose weight despite the fact she was anorexic. Her excuse was to look good when she is around her friends. She was constantly concerned about what she should eat, how she should dress, what make-up should she apply and so on. Friends are the most precious gift we are given throughout our lives. They help you in your disappointments, joy, pain, and anything you are going through, and yet, we feel the need to become who they want us to be. Almost everyone has experienced peer pressure before, either positive or negative. It is extremely easy to get into peer pressure because everyone wants to fit in and be liked. Peer pressure plays a significant role in the social and emotional development of young men and women. “I want them to like me, so, I will do as they do.” Study shows that the main reasons for youngsters start smoking are; encourage friends, adapting to the group, and imitating others. A person under peer pressure always tends to seek approval of her peers and therefore become a puppet in their hands. 
So, how can anyone come out of this conundrum? 

1. Stay away from friends who pressure you to do things that seem wrong and dangerous. Every human being is given the mind to judge between good and evil. You will know if something is good or bad when you see it. You may feel that your best friend will not do any harm if he is asking you to do something – ultimately you will regret later. Learn to shy away from your friendship with such a person. This is not going to be an easy way out. Take time to search how your life would be in 10 years if you continue this habit. 
2. Learn how to say a “NO”: Saying a no is honestly difficult. However, learning to say a no helps you in moving your life to who you really want to be. Stephen Albert writes this beautifully, “Let today mark a new beginning for you. Give yourself permission to say NO without feeling guilty, mean, or selfish. Anybody who gets upset and/or expects you to say YES all of the time clearly doesn’t have your best interest at heart. Always remember: You have a right to say NO without having to explain yourself. Be at peace with your decisions.” Never trust a friend who wants you to be miserable in starting out a habit that is not good for you. 
3. Spend time with friends who resist peer pressure: Make attempts to engage with friends who have resisted the temptation to say a no. Building boundaries is one of the most important value you will be teaching yourself. 
4. Talk to us: We love to help you if you are caught up in this situation and don’t know where to go. Let us know and we will be super glad to help you. It’s never too late if you decide to make a change. 

“Walk with the wise and become wise, for a companion of fools suffers harm.” – Bible