“Associate yourself with people of good quality, for it is better to be alone than in bad company.”

-Booker T. Washington

I wish I had understood this quote several years ago. Even though I had great friends and roommates in college there were times when I felt pressured to make friends with someone due to a club, social group, or common class.

I sometimes still feel that same pressure today. After graduating college I moved to Omaha. I have been here for 2 years (as of this week) and I still feel like I have struggled to make friends. I have met plenty of women since moving to Omaha but have only connected with a small handful.

As I get older I have become much more selective about the people I spend my time with. This often leaves me feeling a little left out or lonely at times but I know that the people I do choose to interact with are ones that share my values and morals and will support me.

Its so important to have friends and family that encourage and support you; people that understand your morals, values and lifestyle.

When making friends, choose to spend time with people who will enhance your lifestyle and help you be your best self. Not only that, but make sure that you are willing to do the same for them.

This isn’t to say that all of the people you befriend and spend time with need to be like-minded clones of yourself. It is still important to have friends with different views and backgrounds than yourself.

Know that is ok to be selective in the people you spend time with. Choose to associate with others who will lift you up and support you.