Are there positive and negative consequences for being too loyal?

     Honesty is the best policy. Many have heard this saying their whole life but few follow it. Lies come as easy as breathing to us these days, but why. Do we do it for self protection, the fear of causing conflict or punishment? Maybe even of being rejected by someone or just to make us seem better than who we are? Lies are wrong but there is one type that we have brainwashed ourselves into think is okay, the gray area if you will. Lying for loyalty. It is a constant battle against loyalty and honesty. They both have their pros and cons. One is telling them what they want to hear and the other is telling them what they need to hear.

     Loyalty is fealty, devotion, constancy, allegiance, fidelity and a sense of duty or of devoted attachment to someone. This is an amazing thing to share with someone. It means they will stand by you and your beliefs support you and care you. Know that you have someone loyal to you will give you confidence to put yourself out there. You already know one person supports you, why not make it more. Another positive thing is the effect you have on the person who you trust. It sometimes makes your word more important than any other’s. This meaning that whatever you say speaks up volumes above everybody else’s. You can influence their judgments, beliefs and actions. 

     Being loyal to someone also has it negative consequences. You are emotional attached to this person which makes you never want to be the reason for their sadness. This prevents you from honestly telling them their faults and wrongs. This goes back to telling them what they want to hear. You might have to sell out your own beliefs for their “happiness”. Honesty isn't always the best option because sometimes the truth is more harmful than saying nothing at all. We all want a good balance of both but sometimes society just doesn't allow it. We have to evaluate the situation and put off before the other depending on that. Life is a choice and there are positive and negative consequences for every action, no matter how small.

      Loyalty or honesty is the big question. Risk a special bond for the cold hard truth or tell them what they want to hear. Loyalty is an amazing thing to have but what will you lose in the effort of trying to keep it?