I have a very concrete set of moral codes. What they are doesn't matter, just know that I will stick by them no matter what happens. I don't judge people who do the things that I don't think is right. It's your life, do with it what you want. But, when people try to get me to do something that I'm not comfortable doing, then I get upset. It hurts me when people try to change me. It means that they think I am not good enough as I am. And saying "I love you, but I wish you would..." doesn't fix it.

Chanting, "Say it. Say it," when I won't read a Cards Against Humanity card, telling me that I need to lower my expectations when I say I want to date a Christian guy, calling me a prude because I feel uncomfortable wearing clothes that show a lot of skin: none of these things will change me. I was a people pleaser for most of my life, and enough is enough. I am done trying to conform to who others think I should be. I am unapologetically me. And if that means I am seen as a prude, a loser, or someone who has way too high expectations (is it really that much to ask?) then so be it.

So what I'm trying to get at here kids is this: peer pressure is real. However, it can come in all shapes and sizes. It can come in the form of a family member or a best friend. It's not always about drinking or smoking or any of those things people associate with peer pressure. It can be a gentle suggestion from a friend or a guilt trip from a group of them. Sometimes, people don't do it on purpose. They think it's not a big deal for someone to cuss or party (etc.). Whatever your moral code is, don't be afraid to stick to it.

However, your moral code may be different from someone else's. So don't pressure them into doing something that they're not comfortable with or shame them for doing something that you wouldn't do. Let's try to end the vicious cycle of peer pressure. Accept people for who they are, warts and all!