“You are the average of the five people you spend the most time with,” is a famous quote by Jim Rohn.
This quote is usually used within the context that friends are one of the biggest influences in life.
While some may disagree with this statement, I believe it is accurate. Yes, I am only 16 years old, but I have been through many influences under different friends, some bad and others good.
The statement itself might not necessarily be 100 percent accurate, but the meaning behind it is a focus to most people.
I believe what Rohn means by this is that friends are the biggest influence in someone’s life, and if they find people in their life who are super encouraging and support them, they will be more likely to succeed than if their friends are degrading and disconfirming.
“I believe that your close friends do help identify you in certain ways,” London Peterson said. “I think a friend’s influence is what matters most.”
Peterson agrees that a positive influence in her life can help guide her into a healthier and more uplifting attitude. Peterson says that her friend’s behavior is also an important factor.
From personal experience, my friends, who are super uplifting and helpful, are the ones who have made me a better person and helped me succeed. Whereas, other types of close friends I’ve had have peer-pressured me into stuff and guided me the wrong way.
Friendship is a big part of what makes people who they are. Closest friends end up becoming like pillars of strength. They influence decisions, encourage or change perspective and can help with self-image.
Friends can also help with mood. If someone has friends who are usually happy and in a good mood, then they are more likely to feel that way while around them. However, if your friends are constantly talking down on themselves or others and in a horrible mood all the time, it can be exhausting to keep around.
“I’ve had some not-so-great friends in the past,” Peterson said. “Staying around them made me feel like a bad person and was just really tiring.”
Peterson enjoys her friendgroup now and decides to associate herself with people who have good attitudes and make her feel happy to be around. Most of her friends share common interests and have the same sense of humor as her, which she feels is important.
Friends help direct people in certain ways almost every day. Whether it’s communicating about an issue, helping make decisions or judging mood, a positive friend will help in these situations, while a negative one will make it worse.
Your five closest friends do have an impact on you, and while you may not necessarily “become them,” you definitely start to pick up traits and mannerisms. You are at least a version of them in your own self.
