Being loyal to those around you can be a challenge as it requires patience and generosity. Loyalty is the ability to put others before yourself and stand by them in good times and bad. Show your loyalty to friends, family, and spouse by being honest, trustworthy, supportive, and generous. However, maintain a healthy distance from those around you so you can stay productively loyal.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Be Honest and Trustworthy
Step 1. Express how you really feel
Try not to hide your true feelings when talking to friends, family, or your partner. Loyalty does not mean afraid to express opinions honestly and straightforwardly. On the other hand, lying will only make other people distrust you and don't think you're loyal.
- For example, you might say to your friends, "I have to be honest with you about how I feel," or to a family member, "Honestly, I don't think that's a good idea…."
- You can (and should) give an honest, non-judgmental opinion. Instead of saying "That's a bad idea", or "I wouldn't do it", try saying something like "That's your decision, but if I had to…"
Step 2. Don't gossip
Talking about someone behind their back is considered dishonest and disloyal. Don't believe in gossip, and don't share in the gossip of someone close to you. If you have a particular question or concern, talk to the person directly instead of joining in on gossiping or spreading rumours.
If you hear other people gossiping around you, ask them to stop doing it. You might say, "It's best not to gossip or spread rumors," or "I'd rather talk face-to-face with my friends or partner than believe gossip."
Step 3. Keep your commitments
Go to a friend if you made a promise to him. Keep commitments you have made with family members. Be there for your partner if you have promised. Keeping what you have promised others will show that you are reliable and trustworthy.
- Don't break promises or cancel plans at the last minute because it will show that you can't be trusted. You can quickly build a bad reputation for breaking promises and not being careful with your actions.
- Be punctual and be present for others if you have promised. Use your actions to show that if you said you were coming, you really meant it.
Step 4. Stand up for others when needed
Defend your friends, family, and partner. Give your help when they need it. Show that you are loyal and present at times that matter.
For example, you can defend your friends when someone tries to slander or bring them down. Or, you can stand up for your partner when he or she is in a complicated argument or dispute
Method 2 of 3: Providing Support and Generosity
Step 1. Support other people's goals, ambitions, and dreams
Try to show a serious interest in the goals and dreams of your friends and family. Ask about his ambitions and goals. If they ask for your help to achieve it, give your support as much as possible.
For example, you can support a friend's dream of becoming a musician by attending shows and promoting their music on social media. Or, you can support family members' career goals by helping them study to prepare for exams or tests
Step 2. Be a good listener
Show your loyalty by taking the time to listen to what he has to say. Look her in the eye and nod while listening to what friends or family have to say. Avoid cutting other people off while they are talking, or controlling the conversation. Instead, give him your full attention while he is talking.
You can also reassure your friends, family, and partner that you're willing to listen at any time. You might say "I'm here if you need someone to talk to," or "I'm always here to hear your story."
Step 3. Provide positive solutions and ideas
You can also be supportive and generous to others by focusing on the positives in a situation or even a problem. Try to come up with solutions and ideas that can make the other person feel optimistic and productive.
For example, you can support a friend who recently broke up by reminding them of all the positive things in their life. Or, you can provide support for a sick family member by being friendly, positive, and energetic around him to keep him motivated
Step 4. Don't judge someone's choices or actions
Practice your empathy for the other person so you can be there for them, rather than judging them. Replace judgmental feelings with support.
- For example, instead of judging a friend who is struggling with addiction, support his or her efforts to seek help. Also, don't let the different lifestyle choices of family members negate any reason you care about them.
- Try not to be afraid of ideas or lifestyles that are different from yours. However, try to accept it. Empathizing with those who are so different from us can be very difficult.
Method 3 of 3: Keeping a Healthy Distance
Step 1. Make the choice to be loyal to others
Loyalty is something you should give to others on your own accord, not out of compulsion. Don't feel like you have to be loyal to friends and family who ask and expect it. Instead, make your own choice to be loyal to those you trust and trust.
Remember that being loyal doesn't mean going blind and following what other people want or expect. Instead, you should feel like you want to be loyal to the other person based on their character and actions
Step 2. Don't let others take advantage of your loyalty
Be on the lookout for friends, family members, or spouses who start using your loyalty to their advantage. The relationships in your life should be fair and balanced. In a healthy relationship, you will get as much as you give. That way, other people can't take advantage of your loyalty and support.
If you notice someone else is taking advantage of you, invite them to sit down and explain how you feel. Raise the issue, and don't ignore it. Explain your feelings honestly and straightforwardly. Then it's up to the person to change their behavior and respond positively to your feelings
Step 3. Defend your freedom
Give yourself a chance to "do what you want" every now and then. You can spend a lot of time with friends and family, but also give yourself time. Avoid being too dependent on others as this will make you tired and feel inferior.
For example, set one day a week to do what you love, without your partner. Or, divide the time of the week so you can socialize with friends, but still have time for yourself
Step 4. Take time to take care of yourself
Maintain a healthy distance from others by taking time to put your own interests first. Spend at least 1 hour a week taking care of yourself and doing something you enjoy like painting, reading, or exercising. You can also do relaxing activities such as bathing, getting a massage, or practicing yoga.
- Taking time to care for yourself can help prevent you from feeling tired of being loyal and supportive of friends, family, and partners around the clock.
- Make sure you have time to care for yourself to meet emotional needs. Try not to ignore it.
