According to self-evaluation maintenance (SEM)theory,what types of friends and coworkers do people prefer? Have you found this to be true in your life?

According to self-evaluation maintenance (SEM) theory, people prefer friends and coworkers who are successful and accomplished, but not too much so that it threatens their own self-esteem. This means that individuals may feel more comfortable and satisfied in relationships with others who are similar in achievement and abilities, rather than those who outperform them in certain areas.

In my own life, I have found this to be true to some extent. I have noticed that I tend to gravitate towards friends and coworkers who are at a similar level of success and accomplishment as myself. While I appreciate and admire those who are more accomplished, I can sometimes feel a twinge of jealousy or insecurity in their presence. On the other hand, I may also feel less connected to those who are significantly less accomplished, as I may not feel challenged or stimulated in those relationships.

Overall, I believe that the SEM theory holds some truth in my own experiences, as I do tend to prefer relationships with individuals who are at a similar level of success and achievement as myself.