Adults Handling Pressure
When you find yourself feeling pressured to do something you don't believe in, or just don't want to do, you're probably being thrown a "line".
Try a "comeback" to get someone who is pressuring you off you back.
Try a "comeback" to get someone who is pressuring you off you back.
| Examples of Lines | How the Line Works | Comebacks that You Might Use | ||
| Don't worry. I'll use a condom. | Diverts Your Attention Tries to convince you by distracting you from the real issue - what you believe is right for you. |
It doesn't have anything to do with using protection. I don't want to have sex with you. | ||
| You're acting like a scared kid! | Put Down Tries to get you to change your mind by insulting or belittling you. |
I'm an adult - thank you. I know what's important to me and this just doesn't fit! | ||
| Come on - have another drink. You've worked hard. It's time to party. You'll be okay to drive. | False Information Stresses the positive consequences instead of the negative, to get you to go along. |
No. More than one drink and I'm not okay to drive. I can party without more drinks. | ||
| Show me you love me, or I'm gone! | Rejection Rejects you because you won't give in. |
See ya! | ||
| What are you so worried about? Everyone else is doing it. | Personal Challenge Appeals to your pride, sense of adventure, and wish to avoid embarrassment. |
That's great. Then I guess you won't have any problem finding someone else. | ||
| You're such a good cook. I just want to have my boss and a few friends over to watch the game. | Flattery Tries to convince you to do something by complementing you first. |
Go ahead. I already made plans to go to a movie tonight. | ||
| You never come over any more. I hardly recognize you! Can't you just be here for Sunday dinner? | Guilt Trip Tries to make you feel guilty so you'll give in. |
Give it up, Mom! I know it's been a while and I'm looking forward to being there when I can. | ||
| Can you think of situations where you have felt pressured and come up with possible "comebacks" to deal with the pressure? If you find yourself without a ready "comeback", it's okay to say "NO", and you don't have to explain. |
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