If you have a habit of impulsively jumping to the defence of those you care about time and time again, you have to be very aware of the intentions of those you’d do that for. People (even loved ones) can abuse such impulsive displays of loyalty to mask their own wrongdoings.

People can lie to you knowing you’ll put yourself on the line in their defence. Some who know how impulsively loyal you can be will abuse your goodwill amongst others to mask their wrong-doing. They know they’re wrong, but they know YOU will make them look better.

Damage control at YOUR expense. Some may not lie to you but will abuse your loyalty, always expecting you to be their guard dog, always bringing mess your way with the expectation that you’ll jump, but would never dare sacrifice their public image in a similar manner for you.