"不要把让你感到沉重的人带入你的生活。要相信你的直觉——好的关系会让你感觉良好。它们感觉合适。它们不会伤害你。"

When you think about it, life is too short to be dragged down by people who just don’t add anything positive to your world. You know that feeling when you’re around someone and you’re constantly anxious, or you feel like you can’t be yourself? That’s a pretty big red flag. If a relationship is good, it should feel easy, natural, and uplifting. It’s about the vibes, you know? Trust your gut—if you feel good around someone, chances are, that’s a relationship worth keeping.

So, let’s rewind to why this idea matters. Maybe you’ve heard this advice in different forms, but it always comes back to the same core principle: your well-being is influenced by the company you keep. This quote reminds me of something my grandmother used to say. She lived through the Great Depression and two World Wars, but she always emphasized the importance of surrounding yourself with good people. “You can’t choose your family,” she’d say, “but you can choose your friends.” Her life was filled with hardships, but she always had a circle of supportive, loving friends who helped her through tough times.

Now, let’s get practical. Imagine you’re at work, and you've got this colleague who’s always negative. They complain about everything, never have a kind word to say, and seem to suck the energy out of the room. Compare that to another colleague who’s upbeat, always ready to lend a hand, and brings out the best in you. It doesn’t take a genius to figure out which person you’d rather work with, right? The same applies to your personal life. Prioritize relationships that bring joy and positivity.

Here’s some advice for applying this wisdom: start by listening to your gut. If you constantly feel drained after spending time with someone, it might be time to reevaluate that relationship. This doesn’t mean you need to cut people out of your life abruptly—sometimes, just setting boundaries can make a huge difference. Spend more time with those who lift you up and less with those who weigh you down. Simple, yet powerful.

To make it even more real, let’s say you’ve got a friend, Sarah, who you’ve known for years. Lately, every time you hang out with her, you leave feeling exhausted and down. She’s always in a crisis, but never seems to care about your problems. On the other hand, there’s Jake. Maybe you’ve only known him for a few months, but he’s constantly supportive, interested in what you have to say, and makes you laugh. You find yourself happier and more energized after spending time with him.

Think about it—why keep putting yourself through the emotional wringer with Sarah when you could be investing in a more balanced and uplifting friendship with Jake? It’s not about the length of time you’ve known someone; it’s about the quality of the relationship.

In the end, it’s all about making choices that improve your life. Trust your instincts—they usually know what’s best for you. Pay attention to how you feel around people and give yourself permission to step away from those who consistently bring negativity into your life. Your future self will thank you.