Influence

"Do not be misled:  'Bad company corrupts good character.'" - 1 Corinthians 15:33

We always warn our children about their peer group and the influence they have on them.  As adults we tend to forget the influence people have on us because of the longevity of the relationships.  Often times these are the people whom we played with as children.  The thing is as we grow up and experience life we are no longer bound by the location and environments that were chosen for us by our caretakers.  Yet, we continue to maintain relationships that hinder us, simply because of loyalty, familiarity, and guilt.  There is a harsh reality to be faced about those coincidental relationships.  They are COINCIDENTAL.  

How to tell if someone is a negative influence:

Do you feel energized or full of positivity after being with this person?  If you find yourself mentally drained or having a sudden negative mood change after your interaction with them you should consider what type of energy/personality this person projects.  

Are you your best self when you're with this person?  If you have to pretend to be someone you are not in order to hang out with this person you should review the reason why.  

Do they support your goals, dreams, and ambitions?  If a peer belittles, downgrades, or blows off your goals you must ask yourself why are you subjecting yourself to someone who doesn't support you.
Are they immoral? This is an obvious one, but few people are willing to acknowledge that their friends and family are behaving immorally.  

Are they inconsiderate?  Relationships require action and committal from both parties.  And a peer that doesn't respect your perspective, needs, etc. may not be worth your time.  

Please be advised, I'm not advising you to sever ties with people whom you suspect may not be contributing positively to your life, however I am advising you to guard your time investment with such people.