If your friends only like the version of you that agrees with them, you’ve got an audience, not friends.

A group that rewards agreement teaches you to shave off whatever does not fit, usually without anybody saying so. You notice it as a slight hesitation before mentioning the band or the opinion or the plan, and then you stop mentioning it. What is left is a performance that gets applause, and applause is not the same as being known. Friends can survive you disagreeing with them.

Try one honest difference this week in front of them. Nothing important, just a real preference you have been keeping quiet. Watch what happens next, because the reaction tells you which of the two things you actually have.