You have to understand that changes in people are natural - you can do nothing about it. It’s human tendency to change, and you start noticing changes in their behavior. Whether that change is favorable or unfavorable completely depends on the mindset and the circle of that person.
Friend circles are the best way to connect with people. They can teach you various things about life and give you experiences of things you’ve never done.
But at the same time, if your friend circle is toxic - meaning it has people who are toxic and bad in behavior - then it severely affects your mood and peaceful life. That’s why you should quit that circle.
It’s like joining a school club where every student shares the same preference and curiosity to learn something, which can be helpful in both academic and personal life. But here, I’m talking about grown-ups.
They also have big friend circles - like your grandfather, who used to go for walks with his old-age friend circle, or your mom, who used to go shopping with her neighborhood friends. It’s human nature to connect with people.
You cannot live alone in any particular area - automatically, you will be introduced to people living around you. There is a possibility of living alone only if you’re living on the moon.
Children play together for their holistic development, and parents know this - that’s why they allow it. Adults hang out together to share details and help each other.
And personally, I believe you have to hang out with circles that suit your ethics and thoughts, just like the example of a school club where every student learns the same things they choose by their own will.
In the same way, life is also about those choices - you choose whom you want to hang around with and from whom you want to keep your distance.
If people around you are changing, then observe the changes and think about whether it is a good change or a bad influence. If the changes in them are good and inspired by good people, then grow with them - create your friend circle.
And by any chance, if the circle becomes toxic, leave them. You are here for good experiences in life. But sometimes, having a bad experience in life can be a real eye-opener, which will help you grow further.