Loyalty (noun):
the state or quality of being loyal; faithfulness to commitments or obligations. 

People who know me understand how highly I value loyalty in my life.  We may joke around about our (pretty small) circle of trust, but deep down I know exactly who’s got my back and who’s only around for the good times (so to speak).  

Girls can be a real drag when it comes to loyalty.  I hate to dog on my own gender, but women play the most ridiculous games sometimes.  I have absolutely no patience for girl drama of any kind, at any age, so you can imagine how well I take to gossip and backstabbing.  Not Cool, Man.

In a nutshell it pretty much boils down to I refuse to play those passive-aggressive girl games that typically involve moves, countermoves, and power plays among the “fairer” sex.  Life’s too short, and that shit’s annoying.

So there’s what I don’t like.  But what am I grateful for?

True blue loyalty.

Friends who celebrate my successes, even when things aren’t going well in their own lives. Friends who stand by me through the toughest storms, holding my hand as the winds wail around us, then come over afterward to help pick up the pieces.  Friends who are simply there, even when there’s not a single thing they can do other than be in my presence while I’m going through whatever life’s thrown my way, because it’s extraordinarily hard to sit with someone’s pain when you can’t fix it.

Family who sticks together, especially when the road gets rocky.  Ones who ask about what’s happening in my life and then truly listen while I answer.  Family willing to reach out, even when I’ve put up my walls and hidden away in my pain, just to let me know they’re waiting for me when I’m ready.  Family who loves me.  All of me.  In every stage of life, regardless of whether we agree or not.  Family I can count on to be there, no matter what.

A man who is truly my partner in life, in every sense of the word.  Someone who has my back every single time, without hesitation.  Someone who celebrates joys with me and holds me through the hardships.  Someone who will work together to change and grow as our family needs it.  A partner who talks through problems with me instead of talking shit with his friends, no matter how rough the waters.  A man who truly loves me, faults and all, and would stand by me ’til the end.

These are the people I’m grateful for today.  Loyalty in love, friendship, and family is a precious thing, and I am truly blessed by those in my life.

My post as part of Colline’s The Gratitude Project.