There are many ways to handle peer pressure. First, remember these two things:

• You don't have to do anything that you don't want to do.

• It's perfectly okay to say no. You don't owe anyone an explanation.

But let's face it: saying "no" isn't always easy. Most of us worry about fitting in and what others will think of us. But if you're worried that you'll lose your friend over a peer pressure situation, you may want to take a closer look at the friendship. A true friend will respect your decisions, and someone who ditches you for not taking orders from them was never a friend to begin with. Also, you may discover that some of your other friends secretly feel the same way you do!

If a friend or classmate tries to pressure you, keep in mind why he or she might be doing it:

• He may be trying to make you feel small, so that he can feel better about himself. You don't need his approval to feel good about yourself.
• She may be afraid of anyone who is different from her. You can listen to what she has to say, but that doesn't mean you have to agree with her.
• He could be afraid of criticism, so he'll do the criticizing first. It's better to be alone than to be with someone who is rude to you all the time.
• Deep down, she may be insecure.
• He could be making up rules so that he fits and you don't. Know that there are people who will appreciate you for who you are. Seek them out.

If a simple "No, thanks" won't do the trick, here are some other tactics for turning down someone who offers you a cigarette:

• "I'm allergic to smoke."
• "The smell of smoke makes me sick and I don't want to smell like that."
• "My parents will ground me if I come home smelling like smoke."
• "I know someone who died from smoking and I don't want to do it."
• "I don't want to start because I'm trying to get my parents to quit."
• "No thanks, I quit."