People aren't even loyal to their spouses anymore. Even when they're miles apart, they show their love by forwarding e-mail to each other. Only if they're really special. In many cases, the other spouse dashes off faster then Marion Jones. Our loyalty to friends is no better.
Some friendships do last a lifetime, but most last only until the beer runs out.
Many of us are guilty of gossiping about friends. She accidentally fed her husband dog food. Oh, that's too bad, I have to wash my underwear that day. It's been on my calendar for over a year. Well, they're not loyal to you, so you're not loyal to them.