Saying no to someone can be kinda hard especially when you like the person. Even our best friends sometimes challenge us to do things that are not good for us. But when you give in to negative peer pressure, you go against your values. For example, let's say you value your health. If you give in to your friend and start smoking, you won't stay healthy. Remember that your values are important.
When you are in a situation in which you need to say no, use refusal skills. Refusal skills are different ways of saying no to things that you don't want to do.
Here are some examples of refusal skills that you can use.
Say no. Be polite, but be clear. Be firm if you need to, and repeat yourself.
Stay focused on the issue. Be true to yourself and to your beliefs.
Stand your ground. Don't let yourself be talked into something that you know is wrong.
Walk away. You do not have to be in a situation that you don't want to be in.
Avoid risky situations. This can often be the easiest and safest thing to do.
Whenever you use refusal skills, use nonverbal communication, too. Stand in such a way to show that you mean no. Shake your head to also say no. These nonverbal actions will help you get your message across.
