If men wish to be held in esteem, they must associate with those only who are estimable.

People read you partly through your company, and not unreasonably, since who you choose to spend time with says what you are willing to overlook. Beyond reputation there is the slower effect: standards are contagious, and a circle that tolerates shabby behaviour will gradually make it look normal to you. The cost of keeping poor company is rarely one dramatic event; it is drift.

Look at the two or three people whose company you keep most often and ask whether their standards are ones you want. You do not need to cut anyone off, but you can choose where the extra hours go this month.