These teenage girls used these wily tricks to out-smart peer pressure and came out looking very silly indeed.

"My friends have recently started going drinking. I don't want to be left out, but every time I've tried even a sip of alcohol, I feel sick. I just don't want to do it. So when the bottle was first passed round to me, I thought quickly and said, "Uurgh no, I can't stand the taste. Next time I'll bring some of my own special cocktail." I just turned up with an unmarked bottle with orange and apple juice in it. When they asked what it was, I smiled and said, 'a little something I prepared earlier." That way, I get no grief and I can spend time with my friends without risking a trip to the local A & E!"
Kathy, 16, Tampines

"My trick is simple but it works. Almost everyone I know seems to smoke, but I hate it. So I carry around a cigarette packet (with one in it - that I would never light) and if anyone offers me a fag, I just flash it at them, saying "I've just had one," and they leave me alone. They've never once realised that they've never actually seen me smoke. They're too wrapped up in themselves to notice. In a couple of weeks I'm going to announce that I'm giving up - hopefully they'll follow my lead."
Joyce, 17, Jurong East

"A few months ago I was starting to feel like there was something seriously wrong with me. I hang out with a group of five girls and all of them hinted that they'd already lost their virginity, whereas I haven't even gone beyond kissing yet! So I spoke to a couple of the nicest girls, on their own, away from the group. It turns out neither of them have really done it. They just said so because they thought everyone else had and they were scared of looking like nerds. It's all for show - I bet none of them are having sex. Now if anyone asks me if I'm still a virgin and I feel under the spotlight, I just give my best mysterious smile and say 'Wouldn't you like to know'. That way, it's not a yes or no and you're safe from bitchy comments."
Jasmine, 15, Bishan