Completely a generic question, how many of you agree that people should be characterized/judged by the company they keep?

ex - your friend does drugs does this mean you are a drug user too?
ex - your friend slaps his girl/boy friend does that mean you are an abuser as well?
ex - your friend steals does that make you a thief?
ex - your friend lies does that make you a liar too?

I disagree....I know people and am acquainted with some who do the above, but I don't.

people might view you by who you hang around with but that is judging others. I can hang around those people but it doesn't mean I do them

If someone wants to judge me without knowing me...then the have the problem not me.

People should be known for who they are themselves.

We are not responsable for others actions- only our own.

I have a friend that is just short of being a pervert. He says things to women all the time and most of the time it pisses them off and they can't stand the guy. At the same time there is a group of up to 8 women that will get on my boat and go topless to get sun. If they thought I was anything like him they wouldn't do it. So thank god I'm not guilty by association cause summer is almost here !

wtg MBD

I'll go with....not necessarily. When you're younger, you tend to see your friends as your friends, little more. Now as you get on in life, most people tend to disassociate themselves with the bad elements. Perhaps it's just noticing things in them that you don't really like about yourself, and wish to change, but whatever the reason, birds of a feather.........which I guess changes my answer to yes(?)?

You sound just like my Mom

lol, I have friends that I have known for over 30 yrs, wouldnt trade them for the world, but also dont do as they do.

I like your mom

Sometimes innocents simply can't help who they are related or associated with.

I dont think it really matters what other people think about you for your choice of friends. BUT, why would you want to be friends with someone who lied, stole, abues drugs or people....
that would just be asking for trouble!

Same here, but in the past, I've found some weren't worth the aggravation that comes with being associated with them, and you learn to spot the differences. Everyone has issues of some sort, it's how you deal with them that defines who you are!

I have old friends that are into those things listed above. I choose not to be around that kind of stuff, gets really old FAST. Plus, I never want my son exposed to that if I can help it.

none of your friends/associates ever went down the wrong path? what should one do? walk away? disassociate?

I have lots of mean friends, they live there life hoe they choose, I just grew up a little lol

I believe that your friends are a reflection of you. Why? Because you choose your friends and they should reflect your values. People who bring drugs, violence, etc. into their relationships with others are bound to hurt you at some point. Choose wisely, life is tough, we all need friends who lift us up, give support and add joy into our lives...people who abuse drugs and hurt others can not see outside themselves...I recommend to move on until they deal with their issues and can be a "friend" that a friend ought to be.

Besides paying peoples hospital bills were getting old lol

welcome and enjoy kris, I think as a person, only I am responsible for my actions and the same for everyone else.