How can the Hadith "A person is with those whom he loves" be reconciled with the Companion's request to be gathered with the Messenger, to which he was asked to help himself with worship?

The Hadith "A person will be with those whom he loves" means that those who love righteous people will be with them in Paradise, even if their ranks differ. As for the Hadith of Rabia bin Ka'b al-Aslami, who requested to accompany the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, in Paradise, it indicates a special companionship involving proximity to the Prophet. The Prophet advised him to prostrate frequently to attain that. This companionship does not mean complete equality in ranks, but rather gathering together in Paradise.