THE LOYALTY FACTOR

A relationship can’t be called that without loyalty. Loyalty is that one piece that makes everything that happens between people to make sense. Being loyal, means different things to different people. To me, I see loyalty as one vital characteristics of a good relationship and when it’s not there, it breeds lack of trust, dishonesty, consistency, devotion, support and even true connection.

Sometimes, when I find it hard to support someone I call a friend, I question my relationship with them. I do that because I know how important that means to a relationship. So basically, it’s easy for me to tell a good friend from a false friendship, though not accurately. Having someone in my life that is always ready to go the extra mile for me just to make sure I’m okay, it’s something that it’s hard to come by.

Although, the sad part is, some people are sometimes not genuine in being loyal. They only do this because of what they want to benefit from you. Not that it is completely bad to have a friend you expect something from but then, there are limits to what you expect, if not, that loyalty will be questioned.

When I see someone who is very honest to me, I can count that as them being loyal because, these days we find so many so-called friends or people in relationships hiding so many things from each other. And when some are even confronted, they try to say they care so much about them, hence they had to lie about some things. For me, I think differently. I don’t believe in hiding the truth to saving a person, why? Because that person is definitely going to find out about it. And also, lying can just never be right for me. Instead, it’s better you be honest and say you can’t tell the person anything.

When I see someone that is consistent and devoted to the connection they are building, I see that as loyalty. I know how hard it is for me to be consistent in anything so I always appreciate it when others are consistent in a relationship. They always try to be there as much as possible and they are ready to sacrifice their time just to fit into mine.

When these things are not there, I most times question if there is loyalty in such a relationship. In the absence of these things, there is lack of communication and so many assumptions which is not good for any relationship. And of course, loyalty is expected from every person in a relationship, it shouldn’t be one sided.

Loyalty breeds more lasting relationships, it makes it easier to build trust even in the most unfavorable situations. When there is loyalty in any relationship, it enables such a relationship to grow stronger and makes it more stable. It takes away every fear of insecurity and doubt and this also helps to keep a relationship alive.

But then, loyalty is often challenged in so many ways and this is why a lot of persons struggle to be loyal in relationships. In relationships where both partners have conflicting interests, it makes it hard for a genuine communication because they always try to let their own interest dictate over the other as much as possible. Most times, these kind of relationships often go into exile because no one was willing to let go of their interest for the other (this is very understandable).

Besides having conflicting interests, loyalty can also be challenged when there is betrayal. This one affects the trust aspect that builds loyalty. Once there is betrayal of any form, it makes it hard to stay loyal in such a relationship but then, it is still possible if both parties are willing to be honest with themselves.

Loyalty means all of these things to me and maybe more. I believe I’m loyal if I have all these qualities or if someone has them, I can say they are loyal.

This is my entry for the thoughtfuldailyprompt. Thanks for reading. ❤️