What Do The People You Associate Yourself With Say About You?

I’m sure many of us can say we’ve heard this saying before, either referenced by a parent/ guardian or even a teacher though despite if this is true or not, it’s all based on perception and personal experience. But since we’re on the subject, have you ever really wondered what your friendships say about you? Or how much your social circle reflects on your own personality and vice versa?

Naturally, as you work your way through life, you start to gather a deeper understanding of how important it is to have true friends surrounding you. The types of people with whom you want to associate yourself with speak highly of your values and beliefs. The logic in this is quite simple. The company you keep has the ability to influence you in every way, starting from shaping your character to the types of decisions you make throughout the course of your life. Although, the questions you should be asking yourself are:

1. Do they inspire you to be better?
2. Do they serve as positive role models or negative influences?
3. Do they want the best for you,
4. Or are you just their competition?

In this instance, It’s just smart to be aware of the fact that others will form their opinions of you based on your associates. And yes, to some degree, you can view this as being prejudice or on the other hand perceive this notion as a concept of ‘personal branding’, a conscious and intentional effort to create and influence positive public perception to elevate your credibility and differentiate yourself from the crowd. Ultimately, in our age of radical transparency, it is informed not just by how you present yourself yet also by the people you associate with. 

Now navigating your 20s is an extremely transformative and defining period, where the choices you make are truly impactful, so its best to travel this path with wholesome friends by your side. But let’s get real, more time we are constantly recycling our company, and not to say this in a negative light but, naturally as human beings, we outgrow people according to our experiences. Sometimes life can place serious distance between different people either for the best outcome or due to other priorities but regardless of the circumstances, it’s inevitable. And so, judging from that outlook, thinking about the people who do not / have not contributed positive values or influences in your life or let’s say present some negative qualities, would you view this as a bad call on your end? An association best to be avoided but was ignored? Well, as I mentioned before, you are constantly evolving as an individual and with any bad experience, it comes with a lesson.

In the situation where you may be better than the company you keep, it still sends a signal to those who do not know you well enough to make their judgments. For example; if you spend time with people who treat you poorly, this gives off the impression that you lack self-respect. Anyway, people are quick to judge and therefore it is a warning to choose your friends and companions carefully. Our personalities become moulded by different situations and environments. Our company, whether it is our parents, friends or colleagues, all influence our minds and us. This is why your friends and associates are a reflection of you.

But make no mistake, there is a difference between stereotyping at first glance vs making judgement after introduction. Take the time to truly understand the people you associate yourself with because, some situations can influence a big change in attitude so, be able to identify the reasons for judgement.

Yours Truly Sasi