This statement emphasizes that loyalty is not something given freely or indiscriminately but rather reserved for those who have earned it through their actions and behavior. It suggests a personal code where one evaluates whether another person deserves loyalty based on mutual respect, trust, and understanding.
The deeper meaning of this quote reflects the importance of setting boundaries in relationships and valuing self-worth. By choosing to be loyal only to those deserving it, individuals affirm their own integrity and principles. This approach not only preserves personal energy but also fosters healthier connections built on genuine appreciation and respect. It challenges the notion that loyalty is a default expectation in all interpersonal interactions, instead proposing a more intentional and selective application.
Joyce Maynard is an American author known for her work as a novelist, essayist, and memoirist. She gained initial recognition through her relationship with J.D. Salinger, which was the subject of her first book "At Home in the World." Since then, she has written numerous books that explore themes of personal growth, relationships, and self-discovery, including novels like "Labor Day" and memoirs such as "Under the Umbrella."
