Loyal People: The Value Of Being True To Their Principles

Loyal people are, above all, honest personalities. They are guided by a code that is always in tune with their values, but also with a respectful commitment to each other. In their relationships, there is no room for betrayals, lies or self-serving attitudes.

We are, without a doubt, facing a concept as interesting as it is profound that goes far beyond trust.

How did loyalty come about?

If we ask ourselves what the origin of loyalty might be, anthropology has something interesting to tell us. This dimension, in the past, acted as a survival mechanism.

In such a diverse and fraught setting of our ancestors, receiving help and support from group members was critical to survival.

Currently, the panorama is not the same anymore. However, somehow, we still need this closeness and security of significant people in order to feel good.

We need to offer each other a sense of ongoing care, respect, and commitment in relationships in which we know we will not be betrayed. In which there are no hidden interests or ulterior motives.

Some say that loyalty is now almost an ideal, or a trait in danger of extinction. Far beyond what we can think, this dimension is still present in the hearts of many people.

Therefore, we must know exactly what it means to be loyal, because on many occasions, it is possible to fall into dynamics in which this principle ends up being distorted. Let’s see more details below.

What are the characteristics of loyal people?

Seneca said that loyalty comes from trust, but as we’ve talked about before, this concept has its roots in something deeper and more complex at the same time. To begin with, loyal people are, above all, respectful of their own principles. 

It is from them that the true core of loyal behavior comes from: always acting based on values, being faithful to what they consider right.

Loyalty, commitment to doing the right thing

Loyalty comes from the term ‘legal’. There is, therefore, a component of rectitude and commitment to doing the right thing in every circumstance. What does this mean, translated into the realm of relationships?

It implies, for example, that even if we end an emotional relationship or friendship with someone, respect will always continue to exist. We will not reveal intimacies, criticize or engage in behavior that could harm others in any way.

Far beyond trust is loyalty. Even when the first is lost and there is no longer any link with that person, the deep sense of respect survives, a virtue that is undoubtedly noble and desirable.

People cannot be forcefully loyal; they are governed by their own principles

We must admit: if there is one thing that is required of us in many settings, it is loyalty.

It is requested in the professional environment, where we must be faithful to a company policy, to directors, to standards. Our family also asks for it, often demanding that we follow the same values, maintain customs and obedience to certain rituals…

• This is, without a doubt, the darkest side of loyalty, in which the person tries to forcefully impose certain commitments, creating alienated behaviors and damaging self-esteem. We must keep in mind that loyal people do not act out of imposition. They are not loyal to their partner, family and friends because others impose it.

• They act in freedom being consistent with their own internal norms. There is a harmony between what they feel and what they do.
• There is no submission or alienation. True loyalty is an exercise in moral courage in which the individual chooses to be consistent with his own principles at all times.
• This means, for example, that they will not practice loyalty to everyone, not if certain people demand behavior that goes against their beliefs.

The loyal person is sincere, not condescending, and helps us to grow

Loyal people are not those who make exclusive use of indulgence. They are not the ones who say ‘yes’ to everything, the ones who never object, the ones who support us in everything we do, in every decision and behavior, however questionable it may be.

Loyalty is also sincerity, and making use of an active commitment to our well-being.

This means that if at any time someone needs to stop us from doing something, alert us to a problem, or help us open our eyes to a reality we don’t see, the loyal person will do it.

After all, it is governed by firm values, not by servility or passivity. Thus, whoever wants the best for us will never hesitate to be the support able to tell the truths that hurt, able to show us our mistakes, but also our opportunities for growth.

In conclusion, as we can see, the concept of loyalty has its nuances. No one can impose on who or what we should be loyal to.

This concept is not external; it has an internal origin and is in harmony with a code of values based on the respect and integrity that each person builds throughout their lives.

Thus, loyal people are not just about words, because loyalty is exercised and applied daily in any circumstance and situation. Let’s think about it.