a: people say that you become like the company you keep.

me: that's true to a certain extent. we either have to accept and take on board the values of those around us or risk a sense of alienation. and this is ok, provided those values are healthy for us to have.

a: but what happens when you're under some subtle social pressure to compromise? should you alter your needs if you want to feel accepted?

me: hmm.. maybe instead of bowing to this, you should seek the company of those more naturally in sympathy with your most precious aims and ideals..

i really don't know.