You should be especially careful when associating with one of your former friends or acquaintances not to sink to their level; otherwise you will lose yourself. If you are troubled by the idea that 'He'll think I'm boring and won't treat me the way he used to,' remember that everything comes at a price. It isn't possible to change your behavior and still be the same person you were before.
📖 Epictetus
Reflecting on the wisdom of Epictetus, it's crucial to exercise caution when reconnecting with past friends or acquaintances. Engaging with them may tempt you to adopt behaviors that are not aligned with your true self, potentially leading to a loss of your identity. Recognizing this risk is important, as changing your actions without evolving as a person can have consequences.
It's natural to worry about how others perceive you, especially if you're concerned that a former friend might find you unexciting or treat you differently. However, this mindset emphasizes the trade-off involved in personal growth; any shift in behavior inevitably alters who you are. Therefore, it's essential to remain true to yourself rather than succumb to the pressures of past relationships.
