By: Addison Cunningham
Loyalty is one of the most important factors in a relationship. There is no relationship without trust and honesty.
Loyalty is the act of being loyal, or the feeling of support and allegiance. “It's the most important part of keeping healthy and happy relationships,” said freshman, Rob Castillo.
Many people have different definitions of loyalty: what it is and what it is not, but we can all agree that it is important, and affects the nature of all relationships. It means being there for the highs and the lows.
Loyalty doesn’t only affect romantic relationships, but friendships, and even family.
“Building strong and committed relationships involves transparency and consistency” Said Junior Oliva Sanchez. People are more honest and forthcoming when they know the other person is loyal. It encourages trust and closeness in relationships.
How to Build Loyalty:
Show appreciation: Communicate how important their presence is in your life. Don’t take them for granted.
Be supportive: Offer encouragement when they're struggling, and help them face their problems. They should know you’re there for them through thick and thin.
Keep promises: Follow through on commitments. Be honest if you can't.
Honor your relationship: Be faithful in whatever way you define that.
Be honest: Don't keep secrets, even when vulnerability is uncomfortable. Being your true self helps promote trust and loyalty.
Act in their best interests: Don’t talk behind their back, or embarrass them in public showing disloyalty.
Address problems within the relationship: Manage issues directly instead of talking about them to other people. This shows that you value your relationship.
Treat them fairly: If you’re having a disagreement, consider their perspective, ignoring or avoiding difficult conversations can cause issues later on.
There can even tend to be drawbacks of loyalty. It can be harmful when your allegiance to the other person becomes detrimental to you.
Some people remain in relationships that are no longer good for them or their mental health. In these instances, their sense of loyalty can be overwhelming and sometimes negative. Although loyalty is an important trait, it should never be used against someone.
You can't always maintain relationships especially when they're unhealthy. So make sure to set boundaries with people who are taking advantage of your loyalty, and make sure your loyalty is in the right place and in the right people.
These are all ways to support loyalty in your current and future relationships, and ways to keep your relationships strong and consistent.
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