I BELIEVE 2nd draft

I believe in the importance of loyalty. I believe if you stick by your friends, family, and/or co-workers, they may very well do the same for you. If i try to think back to all the times a friend has helped me out, I find myself overwhelmed. My mind flies through times when a buddy has let me borrow her clothes, shared her lunch with me, helped me study for a tough class, or helped me cope with a conflict in my life. On countless occasions, my friends have shown trye loyalty to me and stuck by my side, whether it was through a boring day trip to Athens to watch my brother compete in a cycling race, or when someone said something hurtful towards me. Because they do this for me, I try my hardest to be there for them, whether or not it is very convenient for me. We can't always put ourselves first, which is an extremely tough, but valuble, lesson we all find ourselves coming to terms with as we grow up. Sometimes, it will be about me, sometimes it won't. There must be a balance when it comes to loyalty in a relationship, or else one side is likely to wane. Movies and television sometimes depict friendships where all the focus is centered on one person, and the consequences that come with that type of "loyalty." Backstabbing, sabotage, or abandonment, anyone? We all need people to aid us along our own ladders to success, although some are more hesitant to admit this than others. Personally, i graciously accept advice from those i trust, and know it is because of them that I am here. Without their comfort and security, I would feel alone and helpless. I would not be the person I am today without their help all throughout my life. Stay true to those around you, because without loyal friends, we pave a vulnerable path through life.