"Associate yourself with men of good quality if you esteem your own reputation; for 'tis better to be alone than in bad company." - George Washington 

What this quote is saying is that if you bring friends along with you to places and you know how they act (negative) than your better off alone. In my opinion I'd rather be alone than in bad company because I either don't want to be embarrass or hang out with the wrong crowd. If they are putting you down or giving you negative advice just leave them because those type of people aren't worth your time.