Peer pressure is usually thought of as a tool used by middle school or high school students to pressure their classmates into drinking alcohol or doing drugs. After adolescence we no longer consider this social device to be a threat to us, considering most of us have already fallen victim to the aforementioned vices. Beware my fellow comrades, this menace likes to lurk in dark corners and disguise itself in sheep's clothing.
No longer is this being used to coerce us into doing keg stands or party drugs, but what may seem the "right thing to do" according to others is not always what's right for you. Whether it is something as simple as personal style or the way you're spending your weekends, to the person you're dating or the career path you're pursuing, the pressure is on now more than ever.
Now that we're adults, albeit young adults, shouldn't we be able to decide what is right for us and what fits us without having looks of doubt cast upon us?
College is supposed to be the place where you can freely explore yourself without being judged. What trash!
I've never had so much pressure shooting out from all faucets in every direction. Not only pressure to do well in school, but in life: to be a stand-up citizen, to vote, to clean house, to cook (or at least learn how to), to date, and eventually marry and procreate. All of these things are weighing on my mind, and I'm only 20 years old!
But why am I so worried about these things? Is the completion of these tasks going to bring me great happiness? I highly doubt it — like I said, I'm 20 years old. "Who am I doing it for?" I ask myself in wonder. How have I not realized before? I'm not an idiot and I strongly believe in doing things for your own reasons because trying to live up to other people's standards is exhausting and unfulfilling.
Maybe I'm the only one feeling this way. Probably not, but up until recently I've been aiming to please. Of course, I'm doing what I want for the most part, but too often there are times when there's a decision to be made that I call someone else for their opinion or advice, usually my parents or a close friend. But a few days ago something in me surged and I rose to the occasion to stand alone in a decision.
I stood up for something I wanted for myself that others close to me do not approve of or understand. Some disapprove for their own reasons but for the most part they simply want to protect me, a commendable action without doubt. But instead of feeling secured by their incessant questioning of my wants and desires I mostly feel mistrusted, as if I am not capable of knowing what is right for me.
It's time I grow up, and I invite those of you who haven't yet to join me on my road to self-reliant adulthood.
Not adulthood as in cooking, cleaning, feeding the dogs, etc., I'm not ready for all of that yet. I'm still going to let the dishes pile up until the end of the week, and eat out as much as I can afford, but I'm going to make my own decisions. I'm going to enjoy the small of amount of responsibility I have, being only responsible for myself, for as long as I can. Because I can.
Reach the reporter at: adprice4@asu.edu.
