“you are who you hang with”
Is the saying “you are who you hang with” true?
Have you heard the saying “you are who you hang with”? If not, then you’re lucky! But if you have, then maybe it’s time to question this old adage. The saying may be true in some cases but not all. In general, though, it’s true that people tend to act in accordance with those around them–and those around us can be quite influential!
The saying “you are who you hang with” is true in some cases but not all.
The saying “you are who you hang with” is true in some cases but not all.
When it comes to your friends and family, they can definitely have a significant impact on the way you think, act, and behave. The people we spend time with shape our personalities and beliefs more than we realize. And often have different goals at home and at work (which makes them clash), which makes for conflicts between friends or family members that may seem like they’re out of character but actually make sense from an evolutionary standpoint.
In general, it’s true that the people we spend time with shape our personalities and beliefs more than we realize.
In general, it’s true that the people we spend time with shape our personalities and beliefs more than we realize. For example, people who spend time with other Christians tend to be more religious than those who don’t. Similarly, people who spend time in the church are more likely to hold religious beliefs—and vice versa.
This is why it can be so important for us to spend time with those who share our values—even if they’re not necessarily like-minded in every way (think: your friend who has been drinking all night). If you want to know how someone thinks or feels about something, ask them!


People often have different goals at home and at work, which makes them clash and create conflicts.
If you’re like me, this may sound like an obvious statement. But I’m going to take a stab at explaining why it’s true and what we can learn from it.
I believe that people have different goals at home and at work, which makes them clash and create conflicts. They also tend to be very different in how they express themselves socially (i.e., talkative vs shy), which means that hanging out with someone who’s always quiet could lead to boredom with your own personality type or interests! You might find yourself bored by their lack of verbal enthusiasm for things you enjoy doing together because they don’t share those same interests as much as you do—and vice versa!

This doesn’t mean there aren’t exceptions—there are plenty! My friend and I were best friends growing up because we shared similar backgrounds (she grew up in a small town while I was raised in a city); since then our interests have evolved over time but now we still enjoy each other’s company immensely because both of us know where each other stand regarding certain topics such as politics or sports (we disagree quite regularly).
Additionally, people often choose friends based on looks rather than on personality and values.
Additionally, people often choose friends based on looks rather than on personality and values. For example:
- You may be more likely to hang out with your friend A for the sake of his or her good looks than because you find him/her interesting as a person (i.e., because he/she’s funny).
- You may also be more likely to hang out with your friend B because he/she dresses well and takes care of himself physically (i.e., because he/she has excellent style).
This is because humans tend to make decisions quickly based on outward appearance.
This is because humans tend to make decisions quickly based on outward appearance. We’re attracted to people who look like us, share our interests and values, and share our beliefs.
We can all relate to this concept when it comes to dating: we like someone because they’re attractive as opposed to being intelligent or witty or kind-hearted. If you’ve ever dated someone who seemed like a nice person but didn’t fit your idea of what was attractive in terms of physical features like height or weight (or both), then you know how easy it is for you to fall for someone who doesn’t match up with those qualities—and vice versa!
The saying “birds of a feather flock together” may hold some truth if you consider physical similarities like coloring and size, but it doesn’t apply to emotional similarities like love and interest in certain activities.
The saying “birds of a feather flock together” may hold some truth if you consider physical similarities like coloring and size, but it doesn’t apply to emotional similarities like love and interest in certain activities. In fact, birds of different feathers can actually be quite at odds with each other.
For example: if you’re a bird who loves reading but your roommate is more interested in sports or video games; or if you’re an adventurer who loves climbing mountains but your friend prefers spending time at the beach; or even worse yet—if one of your friends is into cooking while the other likes watching Netflix…the list goes on! The fact is that there are many ways to be unique within our species without having to go against our own interests (or those of others).
Being surrounded by similar people does not guarantee that you will act like them.
“You are who you hang with.”
This is a common saying, and it’s true. But it’s also not quite an accurate description of the way that people act or think. In fact, there are many ways in which people behave differently depending on who they’re hanging out with—and even if you’re hanging out with the same people all the time, what those relationships look like may change over time.
The phrase “you are who your friends are” may be more accurate than “you are who your friends hang out with.”
Conclusion
In conclusion, the saying “you are who you hang with” is true in some cases but not all. It’s important to remember that your friends and family have their own individual values and goals. If they make choices that don’t match yours then it might be time to look for new friends who share your values. It’s also important not to judge
- The Best Decision I Ever Made for My Growth: Letting Go of the People Holding Me BackThe author reflects on a life-changing decision to distance themselves from negative relationships that hindered personal growth. Initially painful, this choice highlighted the importance of self-respect, understanding self-worth, and the necessity of solitude for development. Ultimately, letting go enabled the author to create space for healthier connections and opportunities.
- The Healing Power of Grandma’s Cooking:This narrative recounts the profound bond between a grandchild and their grandmother, centered on the transformative power of food. Grandma’s cooking symbolizes love, healing, and connection, particularly during the author’s struggle with an eating disorder. Shared meals become a sanctuary, illustrating how food fosters resilience and familial strength throughout the recovery journey.
- Things I Used to Do That Would’ve Lost Me Every TimeThe author reflects on past experiences in love, admitting to overgiving and ignoring intuition in relationships. They recognize that genuine love should not require self-sacrifice or confusion. Learning to set higher standards and listen to feelings has led to personal growth, emphasizing the importance of valuing oneself over toxic connections.
- Dating Like It’s a Game vs. Loving Like It’s RealThe content discusses how dating has shifted from genuine connections to strategic games, leading to emotional detachment and performance rather than authenticity. It highlights the emotional costs of pretending and emphasizes the importance of honest communication and mutual effort in nurturing real intimacy. Ultimately, it suggests choosing depth over strategy in relationships.
- How to Make Him Leave Without Saying a WordUnderstanding your worth leads to a quiet shift in relationships. Clearly express your needs and allow people to respond accordingly. Authenticity is vital; suppressing discomfort breeds resentment. Distance reveals true intentions, helping identify mutual effort. Ultimately, prioritize self-value over others’ comfort, as aligning with what suits you brings clarity and relief.
Discover more from Joi's Journey of Perception
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
1 thought on “Is the saying “you are who you hang with” true?”