Josh Samarco

It is often said, you are like the 5 people you hang around the most. Of course we all know the old saying, “birds of a feather, flock together.” As a person that wants to continue to grow in life, become more professional and learn all I can, I have to meet new people. Being in my late twenties has taught me, you do need new friends.

A couple of years ago, popular rap artist Drake put out a song and coined the phrase, “No New Friends.” Of course this was a big hit, influenced many and it went viral. Each time I heard the song, I cringed. I love the people that has been with me from “day 1” but at the same time I understand life is about evolving, connecting and networking.

I am not the type of person that is stuck on not inviting new people into my “circle.” In my opinion and observation, I think people are afraid to make new friends. Maybe people don’t know how to make new friends. Maybe it is a trust issue. I am not sure what people’s reasons are. What I do know is, there are many factors that play into this idea of not needing new friends.

Here are some questions I want you to ask yourself when it comes to your circle of friends:

Does everyone in my circle look and talk like me?

Do I not want to meet new people because I’ve been hurt in the past?

Does my circle of friends influence me or discourage me?

Am I the smartest person in my circle?

Why am I not open to having new friends?

The friends you have in your circle today may not get you where you need to be in life. Sometimes it is our closest friends that stand in the way of our destiny. I love each of my friends but I am smart enough to know that I will not allow my friends to stop me or prevent me from living the life God wants me to live. I am bold and blunt enough to express this to my friends (of course in a loving way).

Our friends need to know their role in our lives. They also need to understand they cannot have all of your time and energy every day. You have a life to live. You have a job to work. You have a platform to build. You need new people around your table.

Maybe you are on the opposite side of this idea of having new friends. I would love to hear your thoughts on this concept. Take a few minutes and share reasons why having new friends is something you want or do not want. Please share with others to see what your friends think!