What Is Loyalty In A Relationship? 11 Ways To Strengthen It

Being your true self and giving your 100% to the relationship are traits of loyalty.

Reviewed by Emma Mathews, CBT & EMDR Emma Mathews Emma MathewsCBT & EMDR MomJunction on FacebookFollow MomJunction on TwitterFollow MomJunction on Linkedin Specialty: PsychotherapyExperience: 5 years
Written by , MA (English) Kalpana M MA (English) Follow MomJunction on Linkedin Specialty: Relationships and Couple CounselingExperience: 7 years
Edited by , MBA Shikha Thakur MBA Follow MomJunction on Linkedin Specialty: Relationships and Baby NamesExperience: 7 years
Fact-checked by , MA, MSc Benidamika J Latam MA, MSc Follow MomJunction on Linkedin Specialty: Psychology and RelationshipsExperience: 2 years
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A couple showing loyalty in their relationship

Image: Shutterstock

Loyalty in a relationship is essential if you want your beautiful romance to be long-lasting. In fact, mutual respect, love, trust, and loyalty are the pillars that sustain every relationship. A loyal partner stands by you when the whole world is against you. They give you the strength to get through the challenges, encourage you to be successful, and motivate you to keep trying when you are feeling low. They believe in your abilities and push you to be your best.

For some individuals loyalty is the core of a relationship. For instance, blogger Sapir Lala says, “Loyalty is one of my main values. And this is why when I see an act of disloyalty it makes me feel very uncomfortable. If loyalty is one of your main values too, you may feel the same. People like us will tolerate less disloyalty. My definition of a healthy and mature relationship will be two individuals who came together to make each other better. And not TWO people who become ONE (i).”

In this post, we talk about the importance of being loyal in a relationship and the qualities of a loyal partner. Read on.

In This Article

Why Should You Be Loyal In Your Relationship?

There are plenty of reasons for you to be loyal to your partner. Here are some of them:

  • Being loyal to your partner is a matter of pride.
  • It motivates your partner to be loyal to you.
  • It promotes a long-lasting marriage.
  • You are at peace by being faithful. There’s nothing to hide or fear.
  • It can improve your sex life. You focus on your relationship and avoid casual flings and one-night stands.
  • When you are loyal, your partner trusts you. You can get to understand them better.
  • Loyalty adds to your positive attributes; it increases your value and credibility among friends and family. You feel confident and your morale is high.
  • By being loyal, you are stress and mess-free.
  • Faithfulness to your partner helps you set good moral standards for your children.
Point to consider
Children learn values like dependability, transparency, steadfastness, respect, and trust by observing their parents. When parents are loyal to each other and their ideals, they provide a strong example for children to model.

Now you know the need to be loyal. Do you want to know if you are loyal to your partner and vice versa? Check for these qualities, then.

What Are The Qualities Of A Loyal Partner?

Do you/ your partner have these qualities of loyalty?

  1. Supportive: You are there for your partner, no matter what the situation is. You might disagree with the person privately but in the public you are with them. You go an extra mile to support them.
  1. Integrity: You avoid giving in to temptations. Before you do something, you think about its repercussions on your relationship with your spouse.
  1. Respectful: You are respectful to your partner not just in front of them but behind their back as well. You do not talk negatively about them in front of your family or friends. Also, you do not stand for negative comments about your partner by any other person.
  1. Trustworthy: Your partner trusts you because you are loyal and honest about your opinions and feelings. Your sincerity speaks the truth, encouraging your partner to be truthful.

    Trusting your partner is a sign of loyalty

    Image: IStock

  1. Committed: You are committed to the relationship. You love your partner and express your love by being committed and showing their allegiance to them.
  1. Intimate: You are physically and emotionally intimate with your partner. You share your dreams and fears with them, and encourage them to be open with you.

    Intimacy shows loyalty in a relationship

    Image: Shutterstock

Recognizing qualities of loyalty in you can encourage your partner to reciprocate

. Two loyal partners make a relationship work wonders.

If you have these qualities, it is great. But if you are in a new relationship and want to develop these characteristics, then read on. We’ll help you with that.

How To Be A Loyal Partner?

To be loyal to your partner is easy and simple only if you have the heart to do it. Here’s how you can do that:

1. Be loyal to yourself:

Loyalty to the other person begins when you are honest and sincere to yourself:

  • Make sure that your partner is the right person for you to share your life.
  • Ask yourself if you want to be loyal and committed to your partner. It cannot be enforced by somebody but should come from you so that there’s no conflict with your conscience.
  • Don’t pretend to be loyal to please your partner; you will only be paving way to unhappiness if you do so.

2. Be real and practical:

Don’t try to be perfect, no one is! All of us have some shortcomings

. Don’t try to cover up your imperfections, just stay real.

  • Talk to your partner about your strengths and weaknesses.
  • Tell them there are certain things which you can’t change, and ask them if they are alright with it.
  • Similarly, accept your partner the way they are.
  • Your acceptance will give them the confidence to accept you.

3. Love your partner the way you want to be loved:

You want your partner to love you and be faithful and honest? Then set an example by being so yourself and showing your love and dedication. It can encourage your partner to reciprocate.

Research finds
A study found that daily acts that were recognized as compassionate by both partners in a relationship were associated with higher levels of marital satisfaction (1).

4. Provide emotional and physical support:

Provide emotional and physical support to your partner

Image: IStock

On a difficult day, all your partner might need is a hug or a shoulder to rest on. Empathizing and providing affection is what your partner needs to build loyalty.

  • If you feel something’s bothering your partner, ask them about it. Help them to talk it through. At the same time, give your partner the space they require just as you want your space. Don’t force your partner to share every detail with you if they are not ready to.
  • At the same time, give your partner the space they require just as you want your space. Don’t force your partner to share every detail with you.

5. Be committed and honest with your partner:

Commitment requires constancy and reliability in your relationship even when your love for your partner changes. Also, honesty and loyalty go hand-in-hand.

  • Take time to talk to each other.
  • Appreciate and complement each other but be honest with them.
  • Stand by your promises.
  • Share your deepest feelings and thoughts with them.

6. Resist temptations and stay faithful:

It is natural to get tempted to have an affair outside of your relationship. Your loyalty and fidelity lies in resisting such temptations.

  • When you feel tempted, take time out, and reflect on what you are about to do.
  • Control your impulses; they might bring momentary pleasure but can cause pain later.
  • Prioritize what is important to you and exercise self-control.
  • Walk away if your instincts tell you that there is a risk involved.

7. Take responsibility for your mistakes:

Own up to your mistakes

Image: Shutterstock

Own up your mistakes instead of blaming somebody else for them. If your partner asks for clarification, be honest.

8. Make your partner your priority:

Consider your partner’s needs. Take care of them when they are sick, take pride in their achievements, give them your time.

9. Be there for your partner in good and bad times:

“A woman’s loyalty is tested when her man has nothing, and a man’s loyalty is tested when he has everything.”

Circumstances can sometimes be difficult; when things go wrong, stand by to your partner. Remember, a great relationship has great unity and teamwork between their partners.

Quick tip
Leaving notes of appreciation or gratitude, giving small gifts for goal achievement, making plans for a family outing, having meals together, giving or receiving an occasional hug, and sharing your partner’s chores are simple ways to convey your commitment to your partner.

10. Accept your partner unconditionally:

Accept your partner

Image: IStock

We all have our imperfections. Don’t underestimate your partner or make them feel small. Accept the way they are, get a perspective of the bigger picture so that both of you can evolve.

11. Maintain confidentiality:

Keep your partner’s secrets to yourself. When they confide in you, they expect you to keep it with you and not share it with others. You would want them to do the same for you.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What does loyalty mean to men?

Loyalty is indispensable for a happy relationship. Loyalty to men means devoted partnership or relationship. It involves staying faithful to their partners and sticking together no matter what.

2. Is loyalty a form of love?

Loyalty is a form of love and attachment. It is a superior version as it can only be gained through devotion. People often place loyalty above love, at times, it comes with certain conditions. Besides, loyalty is more enjoyable in a relationship or friendship than love and is easy to return or reciprocate.

3. Is loyalty enough in a relationship?

While loyalty is paramount in a relationship, it is not enough for a relationship to thrive. Love, trust, and mutual understanding are other pillars that sustain a successful and fulfilling relationship.

Loyalty in a relationship plays a highly important role since a loyal partner reassures their significant half that no matter what, they will always be there for them, emotionally and physically. Loyalty is a two-way street, and one loyal partner motivates the other to reciprocate similarly. Though loyalty seems to be becoming a rare virtue, being loyal to your partner is essential if you are aiming for long-term harmony in your relationship. Hence, if you are in a relationship with a chronically disloyal person, you may want to reconsider whether you want to continue your relationship with them.

Infographic: Subtle Signs That Show Your Loyalty

Being faithful to one another is the true symbol of your love and respect in a relationship. You may not notice, but some of your simple, thoughtful gestures can show your partner that you are faithful and a keeper. So check this infographic out and take notes on how to show your loyalty through your behavior.

loyalty in a relationship (infographic)

Illustration: Momjunction Design Team

Key Pointers

  • Loyalty is crucial for a healthy and lasting relationship.
  • Transparency, communication, and trust build loyalty and promote peace.
  • Loyal partners exhibit commitment, trust, support, and encouragement.
  • Realness, practicality, love, honesty, and prioritizing partners foster loyalty.
  • Avoiding temptation and accepting each other also contribute to loyalty.

Illustration: What Is Loyalty In A Relationship? 11 Ways To Strengthen It

Loyalty In A Relationship_illustration

Image: Stable Diffusion/MomJunction Design Team


Loyalty means different things to men and women, but it doesn’t have to be a source of misunderstanding. Let’s work together to bridge the gap and understand each other better.

Personal Experience: Source

MomJunction articles include first-hand experiences to provide you with better insights through real-life narratives. Here are the sources of personal accounts referenced in this article.

i. Why loyalty became so rare to get?
https://medium.com/the-pink/why-loyalty-became-so-rare-to-get-2819706c44c0

References

MomJunction's articles are written after analyzing the research works of expert authors and institutions. Our references consist of resources established by authorities in their respective fields. You can learn more about the authenticity of the information we present in our editorial policy.
  1. Harry Reis et al.; (2013); The expression of compassionate love in everyday compassionate acts.
    https://www.researchgate.net/publication/272563414_The_expression_of_compassionate_love_in_everyday_compassionate_acts
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Emma Mathews
Emma MathewsCBT & EMDR
Emma Mathews is a psychotherapist trained in cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR), psychosexual and relationship therapy. She has also completed additional training in working with sexual addictions and has an MSc in psychological trauma.

Read full bio of Emma Mathews
Kalpana M
Kalpana MMA (English)
Kalpana Nadimpalli graduated in English Literature and Psychology. Her fascination for the corporate world made her do a Masters in Business Administration from Andhra University. Being a mother of two boys, she could naturally fit into the shoes of a writer at MomJunction.

Read full bio of Kalpana M
Shikha Thakur
Shikha ThakurMBA
Shikha is a writer-turned-editor at MomJunction, with over seven years of experience in the field of content. Having done a certification in Relationship Coaching, her core interest lies in writing articles that guide couples through their courtship to marriage and parenthood.

Read full bio of Shikha Thakur
Benidamika J Latam
Benidamika J LatamMA, MSc
Benidamika holds a masters degree in Counseling Psychology from Assam Don Bosco University and another masters degree in English Literature from North Eastern Hill University. At MomJunction, Benidamika writes on human psychology and relationships.

Read full bio of Benidamika J Latam
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