Have you ever walked away from a conversation feeling lighter, happier, or more inspired? The people we surround ourselves with shape our moods, perspectives, and futures. Some lift us up, while others drain our energy. That’s why it’s so important to choose our inner circle wisely.

So, who are the people that bring out the best in you?

The Ones Who Make You Laugh Until You Cry

Laughter is the best medicine, and we all need people who remind us not to take life too seriously. Think about that friend who can turn even the worst day into a comedy show or the family member whose stories never fail to crack you up.

One of my favorite people to be around is my best friend. No matter how stressful life gets, he can instantly make me laugh with his perfectly timed sarcasm or ridiculous dance moves. As Charlie Chaplin once said, “A day without laughter is a day wasted.”

The ENCOURAGErS: Your Personal Cheerleaders

Some people just have a way of making you believe in yourself, even when self-doubt creeps in. They celebrate your wins, remind you of your strengths, and offer support when things get tough.

I’ll never forget my old college professor who once told me, “Your words have power. Keep writing, even when no one’s reading.” That encouragement stuck with me, reminding me to push forward even when I doubted myself. Surrounding yourself with people who uplift you can make all the difference.

The Honest Ones Who Tell It Like It Is

The best friends aren’t always the ones who agree with everything you say—they’re the ones who challenge you to be better. Honesty, when given with kindness, is one of the greatest gifts.

I remember the time my husband sat me down and said, “You’re playing it too safe. You have dreams—go after them.” It was exactly the push I needed to step out of my comfort zone. As Mark Twain famously said, “Good friends, good books, and a sleepy conscience: this is the ideal life.”

The Listeners Who Truly Hear You

Have you ever had a conversation where someone really, truly listened? No distractions, no interruptions—just full presence. Those are the people who make you feel seen and valued.

During a tough season of my life, I found comfort in a friend who didn’t try to fix everything—she just listened. Sometimes, that’s all we really need. As the Dalai Lama wisely put it, “When you talk, you are only repeating what you already know. But if you listen, you may learn something new.”

The Passionate and Motivated: Your Inspiration Crew

Energy is contagious. When you spend time with driven, passionate people, it rubs off on you. They push you to dream bigger, work harder, and believe in possibilities.

I have a colleague who wakes up at 5 a.m. every day to chase her goals. Watching her dedication made me rethink my own habits, proving that ambition isn’t just about talent—it’s about persistence.

Who’s in Your Circle?

The people we choose to surround ourselves with influence our happiness, motivation, and growth. So, take a moment to reflect—who makes you feel alive, encouraged, and inspired? And just as importantly, what kind of person are you in someone else’s life?