You probably know something about FOMO, or Fear of Missing Out. It’s a real fear many people have but seems to be a special issue with young people.

Humans have various stages of development from birth to old age. You’re most likely at the stage where social acceptance is very important. Even though this is normal, it can lead to peer pressure. Peer pressure is when someone doesn’t want to do something but the people around them strongly encourage and press them to do it anyway. No one wants to be rejected and sometimes you may fear that by saying no, you could be rejected, no longer have friends, or be disliked. That’s a tough place to be!

So, why do people pressure others to do things they don’t want to do? Sometimes they’re scared themselves, and by pressuring you, they may feel less scared. Sometimes it’s about boosting their own self-esteem. Sometimes they just want to test your boundaries and see what you’ll do. No matter the reason, your “no” matters and you must be willing to stand by your “no.” Here are five ways to combat peer pressure:

Choose your friends wisely.

If you’re being pressured by your peers, think about if they’re truly your friends. True friends respect when you say no.

Think about what’s important to you.

If telling the truth is important to you, then a peer asking you to lie is something you can easily identify as something you can reject.

Try the broken record technique.

When you feel pressured and you say no, keep saying no when you’re asked again and again. Sometimes people feel the need to give a different explanation every time they’re asked to do something they don’t want to do. You don’t have to do this. Your first no is good enough.

Create your own fun.

FOMO won’t feel like a real fear if you are able to create your own fun. That way, you’re not missing out!

Seek guidance in prayer.

Our access to wisdom is in God. Whether it be choosing the right friends, the way you tell your friends/peers no, or your natural desire for social acceptance, God can and will help you navigate this challenging time in your life.

Here is some great news: When it comes to social acceptance, you have already been accepted by God through His Son Jesus Christ. Remember this reality when FOMO hits you hard. Don’t let peer pressure steer you away from your values.