I read a quote today that went something to the affect of when you’re out to dinner with your friends you need to evaluate the net worth of everyone sitting at the table. I completely disagree with this statement. I think, unless you’re at a business meeting with people you consider mentors, then there is no need to evaluate your friends based on their monetary value. I mean, I know some great poor folks, some trash rich folks, vice versa, and everything in between. Though I believe it’s crass to judge your friendships based on finances, I do believe there needs to be some type of value system placed on your friendships (or relationships in general).

A while back I wrote a post on how to categorize your relationships. To dig a little deeper, you’ve got to make sure the people you spend the most time with are adding value to your life. I’m not necessarily talking about monetary value (even though it’s nice to have friends who don’t mind footing the bill). The people you choose to be in relationships with should be making valuable deposits into your life on a regular basis. They should be people you can learn and grow from. You should all be motivating each other to be the best versions of yourselves that you can be.

As much as my “circle” has shifted and morphed over the years, I can say this with all sincerity; all of the women whom I make sure to invest in are women who inspire me. They have listened to my rambling and complaining. They’ve ridden with me through my highs and lows, and have helped me in any way they can. I have some riders on my team. We all push each other to grow. We tell it like it is, and we support each other’s endeavors every time we get the chance.

If you can’t say the same for the people you call your friends…I feel bad for you, son. I got 99 problems, but my squad ain’t  one. It’s never too late to regroup and evaluate your circle. Do your friends make you want to be your best self? If not, girl, get yo life.

You know that cliche: If you hang around garbage too long, you’ll start to stink. Well, it may be time for you to dump your trash. And please, by all means, don’t be the trash that needs to be dumped. Carry your weight and be the friend that you need.

xoxo Kaisha