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How to Say No to Negative Peer Pressure: 5 steps

Step 1:

Say no to an idea and state why. If a friend wants you to go out and smoke some cigarettes, tell them "No, I do not want to go out and smoke because smoking is bad for you".

Step 2:

Come up with an alternative idea. Never leave a refusal hanging. After you say no and state the reason why, employ counter influence,i.e suggest a healthy alternative idea like "Instead of smoking pot, why don't we go to the movies?".

Step 3: 

Start going in the alternative course of action and leave the door open for the other person to follow, i.e "I'm going to the movies right now, are you coming with me?" Get out of the room and leave the door open for the other person to follow.

Step 4

Show them that you don't want to and that real friends don't pressure you to do stuff, i.e "I said no. Real friends don't pressure their friends to do things that they don't want to do."​

Step 5:

Outplay the pressurizer. Appear initially as if you're going to do what is suggested, then make a show of deliberately not doing it. For example:

  • If you're offered a cigarette, say yes.

  • Take it, hold it up in front of him, and break it in two pieces. It's now useless and cannot be smoked.

  • Drop it on the ground and squeeze it with your foot.

  • Done. Give a look that says "deal with it" and walk away.

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