I actuallly think Brian and Jon gave the best descriptions.

If you can offer them something of value and they offer you something of value, a cooperation (friendship) is born.

One thing that I find so important is just the quality of the people that you interact with. There are a lot of people who don't want to see you succeed and who will always try to drag you.

I've recently decided not to see a certain person anymore because of that. He was always analyzing my behavior and trying to give me advice on succes, while this guy is 32, overweight and lives with his mom..... Yeah, you get the picture.

people who I avoid: talkers & thinkers (lot of talk, no action), people who are negative (oh you can't do that, you're more like me), people who are boring.

But as a summary, people come and go, you just have got to keep moving and follow your own path and you will find people who are supportive to your cause along the way. (cheesy self help? haha)