Associate with People of High Moral Character

 Associate yourself with people of good quality if you esteem your reputation for it is better to be alone than to be in bad company.-- George Washington 

Test of Friendship 

Negative influences come in the form of peer pressure. People say, "Aren't you my friend?" Remember, true friends never want to see their friends hurt. If I ever saw that a friend had had one drink too many, I would put my foot down and not let him drive. I would rather lose the friendship than lose a friend.

 It is common to see people doing wrong things to get accepted, saying, "it is cool," not realizing they will be left cold. What starts as peer pressure may be in reality a test of friendship. Where will they be when you are in trouble? How far will they go to help you? And the biggest question is: If they don't have the character today, how will they have the character tomorrow to help you? Associating with people of high moral character helps build self esteem. 

Peer Pressure

 When the desire to belong to the herd becomes stronger than the desire to stand up for what is right, it is evident that what is lacking is courage and character. It is less controversial. Going along to get along is a safer way, keeps one's peers happy and one does not risk being laughed at. That is where people with high self-esteem draw the line. That is what separates the men from the boys.

 Examples:

•  School kids conform because they do not want to be laughed at.
•  They don't give the answers because others will make fun of them.
•  Factory workers keep performance low to keep peers happy.

Moderation

Many people say, "In moderation, it is OK. I try a little and quit." The question is, "In moderation, is it really okay?"

•  to cheat?
•  to steal?
•  to take drugs?
•  to lie?
•  to have illicit affairs?

 Some people frequently rationalize, "I can quit whenever I want." T hey don't realize that negative influences are more powerful than will-power.