<p>I remember a searing remark way back in high school from a good friend who was accepted into the honors program at Top 3 school. I was going to a top 50 national, and was discussing academics while we were home on break. She informed me that she really only likes to talk to so and so about schoolwork (another classmate, not extremely bright but a big bragger, who got in as a legacy to another Top 3), because going to their elite Ivy League schools was a completely different experience in a way that I couldn’t possibly understand. Ouch. She also liked to tell me that she was very “avant-garde” (and I guess I wasn’t).</p>
<p>The friend, who was truly brilliant, unfortunately went on to have a nervous breakdown (the term at the time) her freshman year at Top 3, and had to graduate later. Naturally, I was still there for her during her difficulties (whether she deserved it or not).</p>
<p>To make a long story short, I am way, way more successful than both Top 3 girls, personally and financially. I don’t mean to brag (like girl #2), but just wanted to let you know that when someone zings you, if you just keep working hard and try to be a good person you will probably end up doing better than them in the long run. I have found that more often than not, nice guys do finish first. I also bet that those of us who are zinged along the way gain extra inspiration and momentum from it.</p>
<p>I was going through a physical health problem soon after we graduated from college, and this old friend was not there for me. Another lesson, then, is that when friends make us feel bad, and are somehow a subtle toxic influence in our lives, it is best to recognise that as early as possible. It probably won’t go away.</p>