Relativism and absolutism both need a foundation. Generally one seeks universally applicable, abstract principles as the measure of morality, though many simply refer to a deontological set of rules. Then there is function. Does morality have a purpose, or is it just a set of natural laws? Is morality discernible to man? -- our history might argue against this.
Is morality consequential? If so, what consequences inform morality, and how broadly should consequences apply? Do we owe moral consideration only to our own family, our own nation, religion, race or species? How does one decide?
This is just how i see things.
I would say that morality serves many purposes. Its rules are virtues of which i have counted 160 qualities of good character. Peaceful co-existence is one purpose. There are also many consequences of lacking virtues. Without virtues there is no basis for a substantive love of others.
We owe consideration to the potentials of all living beings on the basis of their intentions primarily, and actions secondarily.
Morality if centered on virtues shows that lacking virtue is consequential to the overall quality of life of all. And having virtues as qualities of our being produces mostly beneficial results to those who possess such virtues.
Virtues are not without defense. Its a virtue in and of itself to defend virtue.
As far as everything that happens in reality our evolutionary natures must be taken very seriously into account in regards to integrating virtues into our lives. Humans are subject to fallibility and error from the best to the worst of us. Honest people can be prone to delusions as well as dishonest people.
Ideals are all well and fine but human nature isnt going to be ideal. For me virtues are taken to heart and very much appreciated. I suppose i hold virtues as a higher power than my own self. But i believe that many people non religious and religious have a certain amount of virtue in their lives that they take to heart.
I meditate on virtues occasionally and sense a very genuine and real cause and effect of them in my life. I do not find virtues self limiting but rather self enabling.
I am atheist but i do develope a relationship with my understandings of what virtues mean. So i have no God, but i have this relationship to the meanings themselves. I have read books and there are firefighters, and other kinds of people that meditate on virtues. So its something i took to doing.