Do you follow in the paths of your friends/family? (person, children)

[Svatos]

In other words, do you believe that if you hang out with druggies or health addicts, partiers or nerds, happy people or depressed people, that you will end up as such? Do you avoid those that you do not want to ultimately become yourself?

[SoEdible]

I don't really think anything about stuff like that. I just hang out with who I want to and that is usually not druggies or anything like that.

[MontanaGuy]

I'm just speaking for myself but I feel that my own sense of self worth would not allow me to just mimic the behavior of those around me, especially if that behavior were self destructive. Unfortunately children are strongly influenced by their parents and if they grow up in an environment that's detrimental to their own life they are often not able to realize that is what is happening to them and they'll fall into the same lifestyle. However, an adult with a healthy upbringing is unlikely to make the same mistake. I would avoid anyone whose behavior was irresponsible and I have enough common sense to surround myself with like minded individuals who I can trust and share common interests.

[findinghope]

well lets put it this way. i am not a drug addict and therefore, why would i hang around one? the thing i would be concerned about is getting mixed up in something illegal because of who i am around.
it's natural that the people around you can affect your behavior or attitude, both in good or bad ways.
they have a saying for this in Italy...loosly translated it says that those who hang around a certain type of person, will end up like that type