People can build you up or tear you down. They can help carry you when you need help or they can drag you deep into trouble. Choose your friends wisely. I’m not saying that you should never hang around anyone who isn’t “just so,” I am saying that you should be careful of certain influences.
A good friend once told me, “Surround yourself with those who are better than you.” In context we were talking about music, but we also talked about how this advice works for anything in life. It was one of those little moments that has a big impact.
Since people influence other people, surrounding yourself with those who are better than you will make you better. Keeping good friends should make you a good friend. There is a lot of back and forth in these relationships. You are each others’ friends, so you should all be making each other better.
But also be aware that someone is looking up to you. Are you one of their better people?