1.1. Summaryse the essay below to 90 words. HOW YOUR FRIENDS INFLUENCE YOUR LIFE If there were a fourth need besides food, water, and shelter, we could say it would be the need for human interaction, closeness, and friendships. After all, what if great things happen in your life - you got a new job, a promotion, or fall in love - and there is no one to share the news with? And what can give you more relief in time of frustration, grief, sadness, or other 'blues' than talking to a friend? Our friends are a necessary part of our lives; they are our mirrors, and our sounding boards. It is of utmost importance to carefully choose the people with whom we will associate. We are the average of the five people closest to us, and that relates to their lifestyle, manners and income. If we make friends with someone who is always looking for an easy way out, tells 'white lies', makes excuses, and avoids taking responsibility, it is only a matter of time before we start slacking off in those areas. Somehow behaviour that seemed unthinkable before will change our perspective and become the norm. Take an inventory of the person you are right now, compared to the person you were a year or two ago. What qualities have you adopted from the people you surround yourself with? How have your friends consciously or unconsciously influenced you In those areas? If your friends motivate and encourage you, that's great! It is up to you to make the change, for as long as you tolerate mediocrity from others, you too will find mediocrity in your own life acceptable. Know, however, that this will be one of the hardest changes you will have to make, for your friends will not want you to grow. Sometimes you have to leave behind those who are not willing to climb the mountain with you. If they refuse to share your vision of personal growth, then they should not try to discourage you from reaching your dream. [10] ​