While I am a big believer in the idea that most people are good and decent, there are times I come across people who are just really just out to get something for themselves. And they will use anyone to get it, even if they are family.
The problem with these friends or family, is that they are opportunity oriented. They value opportunity more than loyalty. While I am all for looking for opportunities to better yourself, the difference here is that they will betray you, use you and/or exploit you to get what they want.
What is Loyalty?
Unconditional Love
When you are loyal to someone, you not only accept them but also love them for who they are. Loyal people stick with you even when things get hard. They don’t threaten to leave you, nor do they manipulate you to be a certain way or do certain things.
Support
Another trait of a loyal friend is that they will have your back no matter what. They will support you and stand up for you in front of others. When things get challenging, they will be there for you.
Consistency
Another important aspect of loyalty is being consistent. Imagine a friend who is warm and loving one day and cold the next. That leaves you guessing and worrying about your friendship. On the other hand, when a friend is loyal, they are dependable and reliable. You know that you can count on them every day, not just today.
Honesty
A true test of loyalty is honesty. You can count on your loyal friend to tell you the truth, even if it is not what you want to hear. A loyal friend truly cares about you and wants to help you, and sometimes that means being honest and sharing harsh truths.
Commitment
A loyal friend will cherish the relationship and invest in it. They will put in the time and effort to maintain the friendship, whether that’s just an occasional phone call to check up on you or plans to meet every week. Whatever it is, when you have a loyal friend, you know that you aren’t the only one putting effort into the friendship.
Good friendships make life infinitely sweeter. But along the way, sometimes we find ourselves in friendships that drain us and take more from us than they give us. When a relationship stops becoming a two-way street, it might be time to let go.
Moving on from friends can be difficult, especially if you have known them for a long time. But not everyone who comes into our life is meant to stay in it forever. As you let disloyal friends go, you make space for more authentic and beautiful relationships. Life is short and our time here is limited, so give it to those who stick around and love you for who you are.
