I'll keep this short and sweet.

When you keep other guys around you, it is really easy to fall into their patterns of thinking. When you keep yourself out of their circles, you automatically learn a few key things:

  1. How to be alone, and how to enjoy being alone.
  2. What YOU are ok with, and what YOU want. (avoiding groupthink)
  3. How to criticize yourself, and take positive action based on that criticism.
  4. How to cultivate your own character and personality without the influence of other guys. (Be your own man)

I could go into much more detail depending on how interested people are. Post questions in comments and I'll check back periodically!