One of the mistakes young poeple make is that of keeping many friends. Lots of them. The problem is not in socializing with lots of people but having a lot of people you call 'friend.'
You will tend to lose yourself to the multitude. Multitude changes a lifestyle. It is very hard to maintain a lifestyle in the midst of many other lifestyles. Because everyone you call a friend has a lifestyle, and often, most of them don't align with yours.
There are a lot of persons who have lost themselves to peer groups. They allow themselves to be influenced, and yes, it is often negatively. I have seen people smoke and abuse drugs because they just wanted to be accepted among their clique of friends.
This is why it is imperative to keep few friends, and these person have to be subjected to some kind of tests. Choose friends that will influence you positively. And try to influence them positively too.
You must surround yourself with people who are as ambitious as you are. In many ways, the kind of company we keep define us. You're likely to start drinking if you spend a lot of time around people who drink.
The friends you keep should project a positive image of you to outsiders. People will make sense of your character, in their minds, based on who they see you hang out with.
Don't go with the multitude. Reduce the crowd. It should be about quality instead of quantity.
But then, in case you find yourself in the midst of a multitude, remember this: you can't stand out by blending in.
Cheers!
PS: Nigeria will play a friendly match against Atletico Madrid this month. I want to attend the game but my mind is telling me that the Spanish outfit may field a second string team. I just want to see Griezman play. If I buy that ticket and Griezman doesn't get to play, I will just cry.😓