TJ: How much does your friend's or loved one's opinions influence yours?
If I consider them a friend, I'm more likely to have a lot in common with them already. I am more likely to open up and tell all and even argue debate the point.
If it's a loved one, that's different. I usually know how they believe, if we talk I'll give my opinion -- and then leave it alone if it seems it will only cause a division or hard feelings between us. For instance, my 'worldly' realtives that now know I'm voting this year for the first time. They may never know who I'll vote for, my opinion is not worth making trouble over, in most cases.
Another thing that influences me is their age, experience, and respect they have and show to me and others.
How resistant are you to forming an opinion if you know that it differs from theirs?
I make my decisions after looking at every angle I can, I've been told it's a fault of mine to 'over-analyze' things. If I still disagree, I'll stick with my opinion until I see myself, I'm wrong or shown to be wrong. I have no problem, except for being embarrassed, in admitting it if I err.