Trust, respect, and loyalty...

Trust, respect, and loyalty are important in any relationship. And once they're lost, even if it's just one of those things, it is almost impossible to regain them. There will always be some iota of doubt and wondering what's true and what isn't. 

This is especially true in a romantic relationship, or even in friendships and with family. But, as I've recently learned, it is true across all types of relationships. 

Nick and I recently experienced this...not with each other, but with an outside party. We thought we could trust what we were being told, but as it turns out, we were blinded by our passion and desires. 

This often happens. We get excited about an opportunity or a new relationship or a new anything, and we don't see what's really happening. We take it all at face value, because we want to believe, we want to TRUST, that what this person or opportunity is telling us is the truth. 

This has happened to me too many times to count. Unfortunately, I am very open and trusting and I believe that everyone is telling me the truth. Or at least that everyone is just as open and honest with me. 

The hard truth is that not everyone will treat you the way you treat them. Not everyone will be open and honest with you. Not everyone will be loyal or respectful to you. And people will take advantage of your openness and trusting nature. 

So yes, I give people my trust and loyalty and respect. Until it's proven that I shouldn't. Or until my gut tells me otherwise. And once any of those is lost, it takes a whole heckuva lot to regain them. 

​We've also experienced this the other way too. Where we are given trust, respect, and loyalty in return. And you can FEEL this difference. There are no ulterior motives. There are no falsehoods. There's simply a mutually beneficial relationship where everyone trusts and respects everyone. 

It really is a nice thing when that occurs. It's a nice change from the normal that occurs all too often. 

So, when you're going into a relationship, any type of relationship, remember that. It is always in the best interest of everyone involved to be open and honest, to build that relationship on those premises.

I haven't always done this, because I haven't always been confident in who I am or what I have to offer. But as I've gotten older, it has been my motto. Sometimes, I am too honest. Too open. But I'd rather everything be known right from the get go. And I too often expect the same in return, which doesn't always work out for me. But I suppose that's life, right? 

I hope you all have an amazing week. That you build your new relationships on trust and respect and loyalty. And that you always receive that in return too. 

With love and wellness, 
​Whitney