Loyalty & Friendship

Such a hallowed pair! You have to look long and hard to find an homage to infidelity or enemies. But I think we should take a closer look at how these ideals play out in our day-to-day lives.

“Loyal through thick and thin.” “Friends during good times and bad.” What do we mean by thick – and thin? Or good times and bad? So, you argue more lately than you ever did. Sure you were disappointed when they let you down. You’re starting to see some attributes you don’t like – maybe their behavior has become risky for themselves and others. Perhaps they are breaking the law. But you’re friends, right? Love the lugs anyway. Tell them how you feel about what is happening, but whatever they do is their own business, not yours. Still a friendship, right?

At some point we get tired – the relationship starts dragging us down. We get a couple of new friends who are involving us routinely in more positive conversations and activities. Thank goodness. We become less available to old friends. Is that loyal?

Have you ever had a boss who, over time, exposes a petty or a dark side? You used to vigorously and proudly defend her against attackers but now your confidence wanes.. What should you do in the name of loyalty?

These concepts aren’t new. We all live these challenges daily and we instinctively know how to slide loyalty up or down the priority scale. Maybe healthy needs to take the top seat for a while. Or easy. Or even exciting. No one is expected to be in permanent stewardship for relationships that have had their better day.

Loyalty? Good thing. Honesty about current state? Good thing.

Readers, how do you handle those times when a relationship that had been solid starts to fade? How (long) do you fight for it?.