Dear Rina:

I have a group of ‘friends’ that I hang with, but we do not really share the same interests.

They find humor in smoking pot and drinking every night, while I find comfort in reading and catching up with my favorite TV shows. Often times I get uncomfortable because they try to pressure me into drinking and smoking with them.

However, I do not want to lose what friendship I have with them because they are the only friends I have. What do I do?

– Friend in Need

Dear Friend in Need:

I am a firm believer that you should never be around people who want to pressure you into doing things that you do not want to do.

Those are NOT your real friends.

You may be afraid to, but you have to let them go and surround yourself with people that have similar life goals and interests as you.  

There comes a time in life when you have to step outside of your comfort zone and stand up for yourself. That time is now.

– Rina