When it comes to making friends, most people consider common interests, trustworthiness and their ability to make you laugh.
An extensive five-year study, however, suggests that rich people may choose their companions a little differently.
The study, which researched 177 self-made millionaires, found they only made an effort to spend time with people they aspired to be, the Independent reports.
The author of the study, Tom Corley, carried out the research for his book Change Your Habits, Change Your Life, and concluded that who you associate with determines the circumstances of your life.
All of Corley's in-depth research posits that one of the hallmarks of wealthy, successful people was their specific and intentional choice of particular friends. He also found that people with more money have the ability to break free from the human tendency to unconsciously forge relationships with others.
In short, they only pick friends who they aspire to be - rich and successful.
The majority of people will unconsciously find individuals who share similar attitudes, habits, morals and personality traits. They do not intentionally seek them out but stumble across relationships when their paths cross.
Corley goes as far as to claim that you can choose to be rich by actively associating with and looking for individuals who have specific qualities, such as a positive mental outlook, passion, enthusiasm, and hard work ethic. These people will likely influence you to become more affluent.
(Images: Getty)
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