Tell me what your friends are like, and I'll tell you what you are like

We’ve all heard it. Maybe from our parents, a particularly judgmental aunt, or even just floating around in the collective consciousness: “Tell me who your friends are, and I’ll tell you who you are.” It’s a powerful saying, suggesting a direct connection between our social circles and our character. Is it truly that straightforward? The saying fundamentally implies that our identity is partially shaped by the company we maintain. It’s a reflection of the idea that we gravitate toward people who share our values, interests, and even our flaws. Think about it: are you more likely to spend your spare time with someone who enjoys hiking, reading, and volunteering if you enjoy these activities yourself? Probably.  The proverb emphasizes the power of influence. Our friends inevitably shape us. We adopt their habits, adopt some of their perspectives, and are constantly exposed to their lifestyles. If your friends are ambitious and driven, you’ll likely feel the urge to strive for more in your life. Conversely, if your social circle is prone to negativity or engages in risky behavior, it can lead to negative consequences. It’s not about losing your individuality but about recognizing the subtle but powerful ways our friends can shape us.  This proverb also speaks to the idea of ​​shared values. We tend to befriend people who see the world in a similar way, who possess similar moral compasses. If honesty, integrity, and kindness are important to you, you'll likely seek friends who embody these qualities. It's not always a conscious decision, but rather a natural tendency to surround ourselves with people who reinforce our beliefs. However, we should not accept this statement as absolute. While our friends certainly influence us, it’s important to remember that we are individuals with our own unique identities. The saying can be oversimplified and even judgmental if taken too literally. First, friendships are complicated. People are multifaceted, and we can become friends with someone for various reasons beyond a complete alignment of values. Maybe you connect with someone because of a shared love of a particular hobby, even if you disagree on other issues. Maybe you appreciate their sense of humor, even if their lifestyle is different from yours.  Second, judging someone solely based on their friends can be unfair. Everyone deserves to be judged based on their actions and character, not just by association. It is entirely possible to have friends from different backgrounds and perspectives without compromising your integrity. Judging a book by its cover (or a person by their friends) can lead to inaccurate and potentially harmful assumptions.  Ultimately, people change. Friendships evolve, and occasionally we outgrow certain relationships. Someone you were once close to may take a different path in life, and that's okay. Holding on to a friendship simply because of history or obligation can be more damaging than letting it go.  So what’s the bottom line? “Tell me who your friends are, and I’ll tell you who you are” makes a valid point about the influence of our social circles. It reminds us to be mindful of the company we keep and the values ​​they represent. It’s important to remember, though, that the previous statement is a generalization, not an absolute truth. We are all individuals with the capacity to choose our paths, regardless of who our friends are. Use this saying as a gentle reminder to cultivate positive and supportive relationships, but don’t let it become a rigid yardstick for judging yourself or others. Ultimately, the most important thing is to live with integrity and kindness, regardless of what anyone else may think.

With your vote, you contribute to the future of your money.

 The movement of money and the fundamental factors. I am definitely not a stock player who buys today and sells tomorrow. But I visit various groups and see them arguing and looking for a quick buck. Many people will say you should do fundamental analysis. Other technical analysis, most you need to know both. Specialists a lot. For me, it is important to choose from 3 to 10 stocks maximum. Three favorites up to 50 percent of the portfolio and the rest where you can average the risk. Everyone quotes Mr. Buffett, but their actions want to get rich if they can right now.If you look at Mr. Buffett's portfolio he has bought and held for years and his patience pays off. Because there are good moments but also bad. I also think that by investing you have really already chosen, you should hold for years. But what causes stock prices to fluctuate constantly? Demand and supply. When there is demand they go up. And the opposite holds true. But what makes this happen. One is the media, the other is the company's profits. The last, perhaps most important, politics. Not only the most important, but also the most significant that leads to the consequences. With the media, some big players (analysts) may be looking for a little volatility with the statement. To make their customers a little more money. The second option for the company's income, what affects it the most. Bad service or product. Regulatory obstacles. Competitiveness. If it's bad service, it's their own fault. Yes, competitiveness is now also a factor in unfair competition. But regulatory hurdles are the biggest factor. Finally we come to the politicians. So that politicians ultimately decide the fate of billions of people in the world. How, for example, in the case of friction between two countries and entire businesses go to the cinema.A company close to the politicians enjoys a subsidy. Government contracts that support large revenues. Yes, in case of major financial crises, the politicians are still to blame because they did not do their job. In an epidemic there, it's already God's work. But in conflicts between countries, the politicians are to blame. Out of nowhere, some group of people acquires a weapon. We're back to regulation or unenacted laws to outright ban guns. So instead of just following the company you worry about, will it make you a little richer. Think when you vote what kind of people you are voting for, nothing personal. Even with your vote you contribute to the future of your money.