"He that lieth down with dogs shall rise up with fleas"

When you spend time with people who have bad habits or negative traits, you’ll likely pick up those bad habits yourself. It’s a simple but powerful idea. Think about it: if you hang around with people who are always complaining or acting unethically, it’s only a matter of time before you start mirroring their behavior. It’s like second-hand smoke—just by being around it, you’re affected.

This idea dates back to the 17th century, attributed to Benjamin Franklin, which makes sense. Franklin was all about self-improvement and community betterment. He’s the guy who pretty much invented the idea of a public library and fire department, after all. So, it stands to reason that he’d care about the company we keep and its impact on our character.

Let's bring this to life with a real-world example. Imagine you’ve just started a new job. The company culture is competitive and cutthroat. Your colleagues gossip, cut corners, and backstab to get ahead. At first, you might resist. You think, “I’m just here to do my job and go home.” But after a few months, you find yourself participating in the gossip. Maybe you start feeling the pressure to cut corners too, just to survive. You’ve absorbed the negative traits of the environment you’re in.

So, how do you apply this wisdom in your own life? Start by taking a good, hard look at your circle. Are your friends supportive, honest, and kind? Or do they drag you into negative behaviors? If it’s the latter, it might be time to distance yourself—no need for drama, just gradually spend less time with them. Seek out people who inspire you, who have qualities you admire. Join clubs, take classes, volunteer. Put yourself in environments where positive behavior is the norm.

Alright, let’s get a bit more specific. Imagine you’re in college and your roommate is a party animal. She’s always skipping class, inviting people over, and generally creating chaos. At first, you think you can coexist—just do your own thing. But her habits start to wear on you. You miss a couple of classes because you stayed up late with her. Your grades slip. You’re more stressed. The fleas of her behavior are now all over you.

What do you do? You could have a heart-to-heart with her, but let’s be real, changing someone else’s behavior is tough. The better route might be to set boundaries or even request a room change. It’s about putting yourself first and protecting your own well-being.

In the end, it’s simple: be mindful of the company you keep. Your friends, your colleagues, even your family—these people shape you in ways you might not even realize. So, if you’re finding yourself in a negative spiral, take a look around. Maybe it’s not just you. Maybe it’s time to find some new dogs to lie down with—ones that don’t come with fleas.