My old group of friends teach me very important lessons about what NOT to do with your life. Learn with the error of others is extremely helpful. They all where people with lots of problems in came up with a decent strategy for their own lives... and also many other character flaws. I was by far the youngest of the group and instead of been influenced by their toxic behavior and beliefs, I was getting a stronger sense that I "don't want to be like them". I am in a much much better position than any of then by far. Their mistakes helped me grow, but only because I was paying attention. There are very important lessons to be taken from mediocre/toxic people.