We have friends that bought in TV several years ago, and are probably responsible for our relocation. One of the things they told us about TV was that people "checked their egos at the door", that it made no difference where you lived ("don't ask, don't tell!), and that it made no difference "What you did" (where you worked, how high you were in the org., etc.) - their house is bigger than ours, they had better paying jobs than we did, they have a nicer view than we do, etc. - but we are still great friends, and none of us CARE about anything else!
I think you will find that to be the case in most instances. If not, get other "friends" who don't care about anything except the friendship. Oh, jeez, I reread this - and it sounds like I'm lecturing my kids! Sorry!
