Mechanicsville High School

• Choose to give your loyalty to others. Loyalty should be something you freely give to others because you want to, not because you feel you have to. Don't feel obligated because it is demanded or expected. Choose to be loyal to those you trust and believe in because of their actions and character.
• Do not let others take advantage of your loyalty. The relationships you have in life should feel equitable where you feel you are getting as much as you are giving. If you feel you are being taken advantage of by a friend or family member, sit them down for a conversation about your feelings which goes back to being honest and trustworthy.
• Maintain your independence. Be sure to have to time for yourself to do your own thing. Avoid being too dependent on others. If you have a significant other, perhaps you take one day a week to socialize with other friends or family members.
• Allow time for self-care. Take the time to focus on your needs. Establish a routine where you do something you enjoy such as working out, reading, or even mindfulness activities. This will help prevent burn out or the sense of dependence on others. 

"Peace means loyalty to self...And loyalty to one's self means never a gap between thought, speech, act." - Ruth Beebe Hill, author.

• Support the goals, ambitions, and dreams of others. Try to show genuine interest in the goals and dreams of your family and friends. If your friend dreams of being a musician, show your support by going to his/her show and promoting him/her on social media. Support a family member's career goal by offering to help them study for a test or exam.
• Be a good listener. Take the time to listen to what they have to say. Maintain eye contact and nod when you listen to a family member or a friend. Be sure to put your phone away to give them your undivided attention. Avoid interrupting them when they are speaking. 
• Offer positive solutions and ideas. Come up with ideas and solutions that make them feel optimistic and productive. You can support a friend going through a break up by reminding them of all the positive things they have going on in their life.
• Resist judging others for their choices and actions. Practice empathy for others versus judging them. Don't let a family member's lifestyle choices blind you to all the reasons why you care about them. Be open to the ideas and lifestyles of others that may be different than yours. 

"Loyalty means nothing unless it has at its heart the absolute principle of self-sacrifice." - Woodrow Wilson