Is Loyalty in 2025 the Same as 1999?

Short answer: Absolutely not. 🤣

Loyalty in 1999 and loyalty in 2025 are not even from the same universe.

They don’t shop at the same stores, move with the same energy, or tell the same story.

Let’s just call it what it is.

1999 Loyalty: Built Ford Tough

Back then, loyalty was:

show up early

stay late

work through pain

drama

hunger

cramps

and two hours of sleep

don’t bail on friends

don’t call out unless you’re dying

don’t flake on plans

don’t say you’ll be somewhere unless you WILL be there

loyalty was proven in actions, not feelings

We were raised with:

“Handle your business first.

Feelings can wait.”

And honestly?

We’re still alive because of that mentality.

2025 Loyalty: Soft, Sweet, and Very Emotional

Now loyalty sounds like:

“I didn’t want to come in because my energy felt off.”

“I love you, but I’m setting boundaries.”

“I was overwhelmed, so I disconnected for three days.” “

“I needed a mental health day… again.”

It’s not bad — it’s just different.

They’re not wrong — they’re just wired for self-care, not survival.

2025 loyalty is:

“I’ll be there… if I’m not tired, anxious, overstimulated, or annoyed.”

Whew.

Why It Changed

We lived through tough times.

They live through internal storms.

We built resilience muscles.

They build emotional language.

Different eras.

Different expectations.

Different definitions.

My Conclusion?

Loyalty in 1999 was consistent, steady, dependable.

Loyalty in 2025 is conditional, emotional, vibe-based.

Both have value…

but they are not the same thing.

And before you ask —

yes, I absolutely prefer the 1999 version 🤣

I’m an old lady 😉