There’s a saying that you can tell a lot about a person by looking at the five people they spend the most time with.

What kind of person are you? Have you ever taken the time to think about the people you surround yourself with?

We can go through life without realizing we’re not being our true selves. Sometimes, we wear a mask to fit in with “friends” who may seem cool but don’t encourage us to grow or become better versions of ourselves.

They might make fun of you when you try something new or immediately shoot down your ideas. They may feel threatened by your growth and try to keep you from moving forward.

The people you choose to surround yourself with can sometimes reflect how you see and value yourself. As James Clear puts it, “Your relationships will rarely be healthier than your self-esteem.”

If we’re unhappy with ourselves and don’t like the person looking back at us in the mirror, our standards for relationships may be lower than they should be. We may accept relationships that aren’t good for us simply because being with someone feels better than being alone.

On the other hand, when you’re comfortable with yourself and enjoy your own company, you’re more likely to be selective about the relationships you build. You have a better understanding of your values and what you want from the people around you.

When you have self-confidence and respect yourself, you’re more likely to try new things, embrace a growth mindset, and seek out people who share your values. These are people who encourage you, support your ideas, and want to see you succeed.

Of course, no one is perfect. We all have our flaws, and we won’t always agree with the people around us. But when you approach life with kindness, gratitude, and a willingness to laugh at yourself, you create more opportunities to build meaningful relationships.

The way you treat others matters, too. If you want strong relationships, start by being the kind of person you’d want in your own life. Choose kindness. Show gratitude. Encourage others to grow, just as you want to grow yourself.

If you want healthier relationships with others, start by building a healthier relationship with yourself.

Learn to enjoy your own company. Get to know yourself. Understand your values and raise your standards for the relationships you allow into your life.

Because sometimes, the most important relationship you need to work on is the one you have with yourself.

Take care.