Be Loyal

You know your partner can be a bit pushy sometimes. But you don’t go around telling that to everyone. Maybe you moan a bit to your best friend or your father or your brother, but to the outside world you stick up for them, and keep any criticisms to yourself.

Same goes for your best friend. You may be allowed to tell them that they’re irresponsible, but you won’t admit you think that in front of anyone else. And your boss. No eye for detail? That may be your opinion but you wouldn’t share it with the rest of the department.

Am I right? And if not, why not? Look, the point about loyalty is that it isn’t about the person you’re loyal to—it’s about you. Loyalty is an attribute you either have or you don’t. You don’t turn it on or off according to the merits of the partner or friend or boss in question. That wouldn’t be loyalty—that would be expressing an opinion. Loyalty is about you giving your support to someone regardless of your personal view. Whether you agree with them. Whether it’s easy to stand with them. Whether you think it will benefit you.

Funny thing is though, it will benefit you. People will recognize loyalty when they see it, and approve no matter what they think about your partner, friend, or boss. And they’ll realize that if they can get you on their side, they too can rely on your loyalty precisely because you don’t switch it on and off as the wind blows. You’re an inherently loyal person no matter what.