The traits that wealthy and successful people value most in their friendships have little to do with money and everything to do with character, mindset, and genuine human connection.
The truth is, when you’ve achieved a certain level of success, you become acutely aware of what and who truly adds value to your life. Money can’t buy authentic relationships, and the ultra-successful know this better than anyone. They’re not looking for “yes-men” or “social climbers”, they’re seeking something much rarer and more precious.
The Authenticity
Perhaps nothing is more valuable to successful people than authentic relationships. When you’ve reached a level where people frequently have agendas, finding someone who likes you for who you are and not what you can do for them becomes incredibly precious.
Authenticity means being comfortable enough to disagree, to call out bad ideas, and to be genuinely yourself rather than a carefully curated version designed to impress. Successful people deal with enough performance in their professional lives that they crave relationships where they can simply be human.
Intellectual Curiosity:
High achievers are typically lifelong learners who thrive on stimulating conversations and new perspectives. They gravitate toward friends who can challenge their thinking, introduce them to new ideas, or engage in discussions that go beyond surface-level small talk.
Intellectual curiosity comes in many forms, it might be someone passionate about sustainable farming, a travel blogger with insights about different cultures, or an artist who sees the world through a completely different lens.
Emotional Intelligence:
Successful people value people who can read situations, navigate complex social dynamics, and provide emotional support during challenging times.
High achievers face unique pressures like public scrutiny, difficult decisions that affect many people, and the isolation that often comes with leadership. Having friends who can provide emotional wisdom, empathy, and perspective becomes invaluable.
Integrity
Successful people understand that their reputations are among their most valuable assets, and they’re incredibly selective about who they associate with. They seek friends with unwavering integrity—people whose word is their bond and who operate with strong moral principles.
Loyalty and Discretion:
When your life is often played out in public or your business decisions affect thousands of people, having friends who are both loyal and discreet becomes essential. Successful individuals need to know they can speak freely without worrying about their words ending up in gossip columns or being used against them later.
Growth Mindset:
High achievers are drawn to people who share their commitment to continuous improvement and personal growth. They want friends who challenge them to be better, who celebrate their successes without envy, and who support them through failures and setbacks.
This shows up as friends who set ambitious goals for themselves, who aren’t afraid to take calculated risks, and who view challenges as opportunities rather than obstacles. They don’t have to be entrepreneurs or business leaders—they might be dedicated teachers, passionate activists, or committed parents who approach their roles with the same growth-oriented mindset.
Building Bridges, Not Walls
The most successful people often have friends from all walks of life, and they value those who can connect with people across different backgrounds, cultures, and social levels. They appreciate friends who are comfortable at both a casual barbecue and a formal gala, who can make conversation with anyone from a janitor to a CEO.
Writer’s Note
The irony is that the less you focus on trying to befriend successful people and the more you focus on becoming someone worth knowing, the more likely you are to attract the kind of meaningful relationships that enrich your life, regardless of anyone’s bank account balance.
