Our relationships determine a great deal of what we believe. For example, it is difficult to be against laws that limit gun ownership when one of your best friends has a large collection of firearms (and would be your main go-to in the case of the zombocalypse [which spellcheck has as a word now]). It is also difficult to be against transgender rights when you have friends with a transgender (adult) child. This is why our parents were often so concerned about the people with whom we decided to spend our time.
Our relationships determine what we value. This can include material objects such as board games that are shared between groups of friends. It can also include ideas and beliefs that put boundaries on our politics and religion.
These relationships can also seriously affect our own self-identity. It can take only a moment of careless word choice and someone might forever doubt themselves. Missing friends, or feeling a lack of positive relationships, can also make us feel alone or even unwanted.
Perhaps now is a good time for us to revisit and reinforce the positive relationships in our lives.