What are the rules of loyalty in a relationship?

Loyalty in a relationship involves a commitment to your partner's well-being and the relationship's integrity. It includes trust, commitment, and consistent support.

Here's a breakdown of the key rules of loyalty:

Key Components of Loyalty in a Relationship

• Trust and Confidence:

  • Do not betray your partner. Betrayal can take many forms, depending on the couple's specific agreements and boundaries.
  • Keep their secrets and confidences.
  • According to The Gottman Institute, "Trust is something you feel." (07-Dec-2023)
  • Maintain private information within the relationship.

• Commitment:

  • Be dedicated to the relationship's success and longevity.
  • Prioritize your partner's needs and feelings alongside your own.

• Respect:

  • Speak respectfully about your partner, both to their face and behind their back. Don't talk badly about them behind their back
  • Value their opinions and feelings, even when you disagree.

• Support:

  • Be there for your partner during difficult times.
  • Encourage their goals and dreams.

• Honesty and Transparency:

  • Be honest with your partner, even when it's difficult.
  • Be transparent about your actions and whereabouts (within reasonable boundaries agreed upon by both partners).

• Mutual Respect of Boundaries:

  • Understand, respect, and adhere to the boundaries you establish together as a couple.

Examples of Loyalty in Action

Here are some concrete examples illustrating loyalty in a relationship:

• Instead of: Gossiping about your partner's insecurities with friends, do: Offer them support and encouragement to overcome those insecurities.
• Instead of: Flirting with someone else, do: Focus your attention and affection on your partner.
• Instead of: Keeping financial secrets from your partner, do: Be transparent about your financial situation and make joint decisions.

Summary Table of Loyalty Rules