The dictionary defines loyalty as devotion, constancy, allegiance; a sense of duty or of devoted attachment to something or someone.

Every personality test I’ve ever taken tells me I’m loyal. Not hard to figure out looking at my life. I’ve known one of my best friends for 42 years. I’ve known 2 others for 35 years. I’ve been with the same man for half my life. 

If you’re thinking “Gee, you’re pretty loyal,” I’m just getting started!

I was with my dentist for 42 years, I have followed my hairstylist to 3 establishments over the course of the last 16 years, and I even went to the same massage therapist every month for 8 years. 

Damn right I’m loyal.

Right?

But what do other people see as loyalty? 

Do you ever get the feeling that for some folks, loyalty is 

“I’m here if you need me”?

“I won’t hurt your feelings”

……as long as it doesn’t inconvenience them or interrupt the daily course of their own lives. 

Is loyalty then, in the eye of the beholder? 

And what do you do if what you feel is your undying loyalty is suddenly not reciprocated (Truly? Or in your own eyes?)

What then?

Being loyal, or compassionate, or frugal, or anal, or whatever…is so deeply rooted in whatever makes a person, well a person. 

I think. 

It’s a funny concept, loyalty. When does it cross over into enough already? 

Like when you’re so devoted, no matter what and you become somebody’s doormat. 

Not me. 

That’s the other thing that personality tests and my own experience has taught me. I’m loyal. Until you give me reason not to be. 

Then I’m done. 

Damn right I’m loyal. But I’m not an idiot.