“You Are Who You Hang With”: Wise Words Handed Down from Generation to Generation

“You are who you hang with.”

These were the wise words my grandpa said to my mom, and then my mom said to me. 

Over and over and over. 

“You are who you hang with.”

I know. I know. 

I get it. 

Only I didn’t. Those words didn’t make a lot of sense to me. I’m my own person and my friends are their own people. What do you mean I’m them?

I’m not REALLY who I hang with. 

It was like when people would say, “You are what you eat.” I pretended like I understood, but that didn’t make a whole lot of sense to me either. 

I just ate a ham sandwich; therefore, I’m a ham sandwich? What does that mean?

These little nuggets of wisdom that once seemed so odd, now make perfect sense. 

“You are who you hang with.”

As my kids grow older, I find myself thinking of these words that were imparted on me a lot.

I pay attention to who my kids gravitate toward; because the people they choose as “their people” gives me a lot of insight into who they are becoming and what they are doing. 

What do they look for in a friend? Who do they choose to spend time with? What do they want to do when they get together? 

“You are who you hang with.”

When I see my children’s interactions with their friends, and hear their voices and laughter – I think of these words that I heard so often. 

“You are who you hang with.”

And I’m so glad. And so proud. And so happy. Since we have moved, my kids have found their people. And they are sweet. And they are kind. And they are thoughtful. They have big, caring hearts. 

I didn’t know what to expect in the middle and high school years, but I can say that it has been a joy. A true joy. 

Not all middle schoolers and high schoolers are destined to be moody and angry and temperamental. Does it happen sometimes? Sure. But doesn’t it with all of us? 

Part of what I believe has made these years so good, is who they have chosen to surround themselves with. 

“You are who you hang with.”

These words have taken on a whole new meaning for me now that I’m a mom. 

And as I say these words, I think – you may not get it today. But someday you will. 

And when the time comes, you can tell your kids the same wise words my grandpa said to my mom, my mom to me, and now me to you. 

“You are who you hang with.”

So keep choosing those people who inspire you. And build you up. And motivate you. And encourage you. And love you for who you are. And push you toward good things. 

And I will keep cheering you on every step of the way, and reminding you more than you probably care to hear – 

“You are who you hang with.”

So choose those who will influence you wisely. And be a positive influence to those who God has put in your path. 

And your life will be better because of it.