Is softening one's stance toward disbelievers considered showing loyalty to them?

Question:
Does speaking with disbelievers or Christians, and laughing with them without loving them or exalting their status, count as showing loyalty to disbelievers?

Answer:
There is a distinction here. If there is a compelling reason that necessitates speaking with them, there is no harm. The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) spoke with disbelievers; he spoke with the people of Thaqif, and he spoke with others. He spoke with Thumamah, who was a captive disbeliever. So, if there is a benefit in speaking with them—inviting them to Allah, guiding them to good, or asking how they are, or if their children are well, so that they feel at ease and accept the truth—then it is permissible. However, one must not initiate the salam to them, nor deny love for them, nor do anything that indicates love. But being gentle, using kind words, and employing means to make them accept the truth—asking how they are, how their children are, explaining that Islam contains great good, safety, and happiness in this world and the Hereafter—explaining this to them with kind words, not with violence or harshness. Yes.