I agree with the general idea of what p_cock is saying. That when you change, some people will not like it. Some of those will fear you, some will envy you, some will hate you. why? cause things have changed, you are out of the comfort zone, you have changed the social equilibirum (i should copyright that name

). People dont like change - well people who are not successful in life - including careers, self goals, women etc.
I believe this is what politics is all about- the best politician is the ones who can manage to keep a lot of people in his social circle, while maintain respect, and influence with them. basically gaining and maintain power, in any circumstance.
point am making is that, i never blatently go out of m way to lose friends, rather, i make as many friends and acquientances as possible, and try and keep contact with them all. I know about them, i find out what they do, hobbies, skills, passions etc. that way I can help them, or they can help me or they could help another person i might know.
If you want to make friends, you will always have people who dont like you. cause of different opinions and beliefs.
If you be the best person you can be, and have fun and be interesting, playful, exciting, positive, optimisitc. most people will want to be wit you. there willl be those who dont, but those guys you dont want to be with.
The idea of risk taking, is the point of moving out of your comfort zone. the more you risk take the more comfortable you are at pushing your self and experiencing new things and achieving your goals. remember that, achieving a goal, is moving out of your comfort zone. thus the more risk taking, the more comfortable you are with it, then the more confident you get.
IF you know people who are disrespectful or try and derail you life - either mentally, or emotional. then you will have to leave them. remember as long as you dont make enemies of people yo regurlary see, it you life will be alright and social circles will be cool.