I have accepted that part of my character is to gladly hear what others think and adjust... take L if someone can create bigger W.

But with people who are consistently dishonest even that is problematic - the more value you create, the more they'll try to make you look bad, so they can look good (and have excuse to take value from you).

Relationships in which you can be fully honest are great in that sense - you may clash a bit more, but you'll both be yourselves always... and won't run into stated problem. 

 Some people just want to make others look bad for whatever reason, often times jealousy. And honesty is great. Unfortunately, not everyone does it. 

 Good people make you look good, bad people make you look bad 

 Without a doubt. The whole “surround yourself with positive people” quote is true