A sign that you're around the wrong people

A telltale sign you're around the wrong people is if and when you find yourself bending over backwards to impress them.

I'm not talking about those occasions that may warrant making a good first impression, like a job interview or first date.

I'm specifically referencing everyday situations, like Happy Hour with coworkers or weekend outings with friends.

Sure, we all want others to think favorably of us, but once it gets to the point where we're changing our habits and yielding to them on everything just to win their approval, something is off kilter.

We all have a voice and should be allowed to use it no matter the relationship. That means the other person should be amenable to going along with whatever we may propose at times.

Those who want to dictate the agenda every time are selfish and narrow-minded. Even worse are the ones who are relentless in their quest to push you into thinking or acting as they do.

If you're an adult, guess what? Those high school days are well behind you, as is peer pressure to do things you have no interest in.

If someone can't take no for an answer, you're in bad company. Walk away and find people who accept you for who you are.

No relationship that forces you to turn your back on your own values and principles is a relationship worth being in.

And no relationship is worth your time and energy if you feel that you have to change who you are in order to sustain it.

Really, you can do so much better. Life's too short not to make an effort to hang around people who enhance your life. Those who enhance it ultimately provide a fresh perspective while never attempting to change or undermine yours.

A friendship or relationship can only thrive -- and survive -- if people are willing to tolerate each other's disparate opinions, interests, and quirks. Otherwise, they're better off going their separate ways.

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