Do you have “Toxic Friends” or have you experienced peer-pressure? Are you a “toxic friend?” There are positive and negative sides to peer-pressuring. If you are wondering how to deal with being pressured or even if you are a toxic friend, then continue to read this article as it’ll help you understand more about the situation.

Positive peer-pressure is when you are persuading your peers in doing something that is good for them; looking out for what’s best for them. For example, participating in extra curriculums, stopping your friends from doing illegal activities,  concentrating in school, and encouraging them to take care of themselves mentally and physically. Basically, positive peer-pressure is helping your peers in making good decisions with regards to their social lives and health.

And of course, there are negative sides to peer-pressure. Negative peer-pressure is mainly caused by selfishness, like taking advantage of your friends or being competitive with your friends. A consequence of this would be your friend blurting out criticisms and making judgments about you, such as telling you what you should change about yourself which would affect your self-esteem. There are other effects such as depression, stress, and thoughts on suicides. Have you ever wondered how to get out of this mess and this heavy feeling? The best options for you is to….

1. Try to avoid or ignore the repeated criticism: Because it may cause anxiety or low self-esteem.
2. Stand out for yourself and make it clear to them about how you want to be respected. They should listen to you and treat you fairly or like how they wanted to be treated (treat others like how you want to be treated). Don’t let them control or take advantage of you. You have the rights to say, think, and take action for yourself.
3. Tell someone. Don’t be afraid to tell a trusting adult, counselor or even a trusting friend about how you feel. They can help, give advice or guide you through what you are feeling and come up with even better solutions for further action.
4. Explore new crowds and make new friends. They can surprise you sometimes. Do what you think is right for yourself. If your friends are putting you in a difficult spot, it is best to tell them or set limits because, from small things that may seem like a joke, it can hurt people mentally too.

As mentioned above, there are negative and positive effects to peer-pressure and having toxic friends. Hopefully, after reading this article, you would understand more about the types of peer-pressuring and whether or not you are a toxic friend.  I recommend you should rethink about that and how it may affect your peers. Consider the solutions if you are being pressured negatively and if you are pressuring your friends to do the right thing. Positive peer-pressuring is just friends who want the best for you. Stop negative peer- pressuring and I hope this article has helped you and your situation if you are in one.