Choosing Friends

Maybe you’ve heard the saying, “you’re the sum of the five people you spend the most time with.” Think about this and decide who your five are. Take an inventory of their personality traits, good and bad, of how you feel when you’re with them, and, just as importantly, how you feel when you leave them. Then think about the influence they have on your life.

The people you choose to hang around with should bring out the best in you, expect the best of you, be loyal, have a positive outlook on life, and respect you. If your five closest friends don’t meet that criteria, then you should give serious thought to finding friends who do.

If most of your friends are happy and grateful people, then chances are, you will be a more happy and grateful person. The same goes for all-around health and fitness. If your five close friends or family members don’t take care of themselves; physically, emotionally, or spiritually, that will largely determine your habits and will rub off on how you view and treat yourself as well.

Do your friends smoke, drink too much, use drugs, have a problem maintaining a healthy weight, or eat unhealthy food most of the time? These things might seem trivial and unimportant, but you will become like the five people you spend the most time with. Think about it. Those you are with today play an important role in who you will be tomorrow, and in the weeks, months, and years ahead.

Choose your friends wisely.