How can you not be a prude?

Answer 1

The term "prude" is a shortened version of the word "prudent" or "prudence". A person who is "prudent" is wise, thoughtful, reflective, discreet, and/or intelligent (look it up in your dictionary). Individuals who prefer to be reckless, impulsive, irresponsible, short-sighted, and/or self-centered often dislike or are jealous of those who are "prudent" as they are "imprudent" in their decision-making. "Prudence" is displayed in how school assignments are completed, work expectations are met, mood-altering substances (street drugs/alcohol/inhalants/poisons) are used/avoided, sexual thoughts/feelings/behaviors are dealt with, relationships with others are developed, hobbies/leisure activities are chosen, religious commitments are kept, cultural practices are followed, and/or interactions with the natural world are handled.

Usually, those who are teens are the ones who start feeling pressure from others their age to not be "prudent" about their actions/behaviors. This is classic "peer pressure" which is a reality that every adolescent must learn to successfully cope with, if s/he wishes to live a rewarding and meaningful life. Fortunately, that intense pressure will ease off, once you reach your early 20's.

Those who decide to do things (legal or not) that they really don't want to do, out of fear that others will call them nasty names or make fun of them if they say "no", will lose their own self-respect and make many potentially harmful choices that could impact them and/or others for the rest of their lives. It's OK to take some risks in life. However, each risk you take needs to be well thought out and calculated. Well-calculated risks are those which have a high probability of success, pleasure, and/or other rewards attached to them, without significant harm to anyone being involved.