Situation #1

Even if your friends don't use actions or words to pressure you to do something, they can still influence your decisions. When you do something because you think your friends want you to, or you think it will make you look good in front of them, this is peer influence. It's not as obvious as peer pressure, but it can still be as strong. The bottom line is that you need to do what's right for you.

Read each of the following situations. Think about what you would do in each one and write down your thoughts.

The Sneaker Dilemma

You hang around with a particular group of friends. When a new style of sneaker hits the market, a lot of your friends go out and buy them. But, you don't have the money for them, and besides, you don't particularly like the way they look. How do you feel when you realize you are the only one in the group who has not purchased the sneakers? What are the different ways you can manage this situation?