The company we keep

“Tell me with whom you associate and I will tell you who you are.” ~Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

When I was a kid, my parents discussed the importance of choosing friends who were a positive influence — the sort who stayed out of trouble and earned good grades in school. My folks understood that our peers help shape who we become — nearly as much as our parents do. My mom often repeated the old adage, “You are judged by the company you keep.” In other words, if your friends are serial trouble-makers, you might look like a willing accomplice.

Much later, when I became a mother, I made a point of getting to know my son’s closest friends, otherwise known as “The Crew.” Doug and I encouraged them to spend time in our home and invited them to family outings. All were good students, and as one of their teachers told me, they inspired each other to succeed in school. It was a joy to watch them all grow up.

Friends who bring out the best in us are always good company. When I think about the close friends I have now, I know my folks would be proud of them, too. They are the smartest, kindest, and most thoughtful people I know. They’ve kept me out of trouble over the years and supported me through life’s most difficult challenges — including Coco’s recent accident. I believe they’ve been a positive influence on me. ~CL