Loyalty is a main theme in many of the old myths. It is a main theme of the second (episodes 4-6) of Star Wars. It is a central issue in many of the old westerns. Yet, today loyalty seems a rare subject. It seems to be looked upon as an old idea that doesn't apply anymore, or that seems to be the Entertainment industry's take anyway.

You know it's strange, I am a very loyal person -- the kind of friend you can depend on, who always takes your side and is willing to throw aside personal gain for that loyalty. Yet, I have had few friends who frankly deserved my loyalty, as loyalty seemed to mean nothing to them.

It seems to be loyalty is important. It is a bond of trust between two or more persons. When people get to know each other they care about and defend each other. It seems a natural part of friendship. Yet it seems to be fading these days, and I'm not sure why this is. I have known people who I cared for deeply who would suddenly block me out to talk with some one they barely know because they thought them more important than me. This always hurts, like oach. I would never treat them like that, even when they do it to me. I am ... baffled how anyone could. Should not a bond (blood or water) make two people closer than that? Is this a sign that trust itself is fading in our modern times, or is it love or devotion that's fading? (This would seem to reflect growing divorce rates as well.)

What's happened/happening with loyalty?

It has been replaced by instant gratification Blue. People generally just are more self-involved and looking out for number one. And you (like me) are from the old school where loyalty is important to us and we get hurt easily by anyone who ditches us for their own purposes.

I empathise with you pal - my family never comes to visit me but expect me to go to them all the time. Most of my friends are the same. It makes me really frustrated and sad that they have so little respect or loyalty to maintaining our relationship in a fair and balanced way. But hey, that is human nature these days. My mother uses the excuse that she is too busy all the time. She is in her mid 60s and spends most of the day either knitting or sitting in front of the tv watching soap operas. How can that be so busy that it takes precedence over visiting her daughter and grandkids?? It really sends a great message to the younger generations. I guess when she is old and incapacitated and wants us to visit her, maybe my kids will say they are too busy too!

I am still a loyal person, but I have adapted to remove the pain of other people's cold attitudes. I don't beat myself up over how they choose to behave or the beliefs they hold anymore. It is more important to feel good about your own choices and live by your beliefs.

Sorry to hear that Raven. I'm glad you've made or are making the adjustment.

Still, it isn't right. And that fact needs to be said. I'm all about truth.

Me, well, if I'm to be poetic about this, I'd say, "Loyalty is like a delicate flower. It isn't to be squandered on somebody who doesn't enjoy a garden."

Damn, I'm poetic.

Anyways. I think loyalty, like respect, has to be earned. Furthermore, I don't waste my loyalty on those who can't appreciate it. I spend it on those who can, and those who deserve it, like my family. There's a lot of dopeheads in my circle of friends who don't seem to know the meaning of that word. And so I don't have any sense of loyalty towards 'em, either. I guess that's just the way of life. But the fact remains, some people don't deserve loyalty.

So, we don't give them the flower, either, because, frankly, it's a waste of yourself to do so, and we're all worth more than that.

Just my 2 öre on the subject.

Well said indeed. Forgot you were a writer for a moment.

Heh, thanks. Loxley, writer and NWO outlaw extraordinare to your service.

I do like the sound of that. That will be my new pick-up line at the bar, I think.

haha you could publish a book of lines for the bar and put them in the form of poetry. That would be a best seller!

Yeah, but I gotta try them out first, ya know. I wonder how many pretty gals are gonna run off screaming "EEeeeeeh, crazeee guy!!! Bouncer, throw him out!!!!" before it works.