{"id":452,"date":"2022-10-15T03:20:01","date_gmt":"2022-10-15T03:20:01","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.whatistandfor.co\/humanrights\/?p=452"},"modified":"2022-10-15T03:20:01","modified_gmt":"2022-10-15T03:20:01","slug":"what-is-loyalty","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/www.whatistandfor.co\/humanrights\/what-is-loyalty\/","title":{"rendered":"What Is Loyalty?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Loyalty is a virtue we value in several types of\u00a0relationships, including among family, friends, romantic partners, workplaces, organizations, religions, and nations.1<\/sup>\u00a0But what is loyalty, and why is it important?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cPeople tend to define loyalty by what it is not (for example: not being betrayed, cheated on, or abandoned), but loyalty is much more than the absence of mistreatment,\u201d says\u00a0Sabrina Romanoff, PsyD, a clinical psychologist and professor at Yeshiva University.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Loyalty is faithfulness, dedication, honesty, trust, and support in a relationship, says Dr. Romanoff. It requires an emotional commitment and engenders a sense of identity.2<\/sup><\/p>\n\n\n\n

This article explores the characteristics, benefits, and drawbacks of loyalty, as well as some strategies to build loyalty in relationships.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Characteristics of Loyalty<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Below, Dr. Romanoff explains some of the characteristics of loyalty.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Steadfastness and Support<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Loyalty means being there for someone through the highs and lows, and staying by their side regardless of the circumstances.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Loyalty involves accepting and loving someone for who they are, and not\u00a0threatening to leave\u00a0them when things become challenging. People display loyalty by weathering storms together, providing support, and sticking it out.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Consistency<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Loyalty means being consistent in your treatment, behavior, and regard for another. It\u2019s important to be reliable and dependable\u2014someone who can be counted on to show up. Loyalty also involves consistently treating the other person with kindness, fairness, and generosity of spirit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Honesty and Transparency<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Being\u00a0vulnerable\u00a0and not hiding parts of your identity or parts of your life are important aspects of loyalty. People who share their thoughts and feelings display a willingness to be known and to know others in an authentic and open way.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Benefits and Drawbacks of Loyalty<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Loyalty can have both benefits and drawbacks. Dr. Romanoff lists the pros and cons of this trait below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Benefits of Loyalty<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Loyalty can\u00a0strengthen relationships\u00a0because people are more honest and forthcoming when they know the other person is loyal. It engenders trust and closeness in relationships.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Relationships with loyalty are stronger because both people can be themselves and share what they\u2019re experiencing without fear that the other person will abandon them.
\u2014 SABRINA ROMANOFF, PSYD<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This is true for romantic, work, family, and social relationships as when we feel others are loyal to us, we can be more authentic and take off the socially acceptable filters that we tend to display our behaviors through.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Loyalty helps build\u00a0support, which is important for mental, emotional, and physical well-being.3<\/sup>\u00a0Knowing you have people who have your back and will be there for you when you need them can help you feel secure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Drawbacks of Loyalty<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Loyalty can be harmful when your allegiance to the other person becomes consistently detrimental to you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Some people remain in relationships that no longer serve them. In these instances, their sense of loyalty can cause them to become exploited or abused. While loyalty is an important trait, it should not be used against someone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It can be hard for someone who is loyal to recognize when they are being\u00a0manipulated\u00a0by someone they love. It can be helpful to get an outside perspective from a friend, family member, colleague, or therapist who has their best interests at heart.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

While it may not always be possible to sever relationships, it\u2019s important to\u00a0set boundaries\u00a0in relationships with people who are manipulating you because of your loyalty.How to Recognize When You\u2019re Being Used<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to Build Loyalty<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Loyalty is a characteristic that can be developed and earned in relationships. Dr. Romanoff suggests some tips to help build loyalty:<\/p>\n\n\n\n