We're not too different you and I;
In the past few years I've really changed quite a few things in the way I live. I now use a rideshare to cut the cost of my drive to work, I got a room mate, buy groceries and gas in bulk in the city, most recently did my first oil change on this car. It's a slow work in progress.
The first step I took was to cut out all the stresses in my life. Things you see around these forms are just that: eating all the food in your cupboard/fridge. It makes you really realize what you're spending your money on. Hobbies; do they actually let you enjoy yourself or are you following the herd? I've just recently taken up indoor climbing for a modest $200 one time investment, I'm enjoying it.
The little tweaks after "removing the noise" and cutting out a lot of the excess of my life, simplifying and decluttering was to add in only the stresses I was ready to accept. I gained a room mate (which I was very careful to screen beforehand). He's great. But for that it was a big step, a conscious effort to do so.
I rent. Many many of my friends, family, coworkers and general encounters typically suggest I buy, now! Not only am I unable, for 20% to put forward, like yourself, I don't really feel all that strong. There's a great article on the math of this on the Afford Anything blog. I highly recommend reading the comparison of Buying to Renting.
I've slowly accepted the small tweaks I do, regularly are going to throw people off. But that's ok! It is slowly turning around, I am seeing it be easier and easier to pay off life, to live off less. Years ago I lived off 3.5K per month, now I'm averaging less that 2K. It is a big difference. But I certainly make sure the cuts and changes I've made are things I'm comfortable with. I don't cut unnecessarily. It is certainly something that should be talked about here, is the balance of the work, stress and effort put in when taking a financial cut, not just purely following dollar signs.
Even seeing MMM's latest studio renovation didn't net a completely DIY cost; he still paid for certain "luxuries" if you will. We all do, but what is worth your time and energy, is up to you. I, for example, would never live with my parents in their home, if possible again. But a room mate was a great alternative to saving some of that money instead, as well as moving to a cheaper neighbourhood.
We do all these cuts and sacrifices of an easy life now to see our future selves better. The reason your friends don't follow that track is because they're not aware of what their current enjoyment vs future self cost looks like. Honestly? I'd align myself with people that make you more comfortable if able; if not simply ignore their indulgences. If a big new car or buying a house isn't in your plans, find people that accept your choices. I do! My friends are competitively frugal and expertly cunning at getting good deals, have no shame to thrift shop, etc. These are the kind of guys who are good enough to have Las Vegas end up paying them when they go; that's how great the deals are that they find. They boost me up and push me in the direction I want. I'm sure they exist for you too.
Keep your head up, don't listen to the noise! Cut it out, promise you'll find more direction, from within.