I take promises two different ways. The first is my own promise, and the second is someone else's promise. 1
When I make a promise, I do not make them lightly. If I actually say the words it becomes an unbreakable bond on my part. If I do break a promise, I could just about kill myself I feel that horrible. I have broken about two promises in my life. One unfortunately was because of faulty memory and the other was beyond my control. 2
There are many times I say I'll do something and most people take this as a promise, to me it is not a promise. Yes, I will usually still do whatever I say I will do, because that is my nature as an honest person. However, if I don't do it, don't believe I'm breaking a promise if I didn't say the words. I will not promise if I think there is any possibility that I can't fulfill it. Usually if I see that circumstances are too unpredictable I will make a point of saying "I can't promise you but I will try." It's just that I don't like to disappoint people and like them to know exactly where I'm at, and what I can and can't do.3
Now on the completely other end of the spectrum, other people's promises mean nothing to me. I never expect anyone to fulfill their promise because I've been disappointed in this too many times. I can never again expect anyone to be as honest with me as I am with them. There are some people I trust more than others to follow through on their word, but even those I can not expect 100% from. 4
Yeah it hurts me and makes me feel unimportant when I will go through hell and high water to fulfill even my non promises to someone and they won't follow through even on a small favor for me. So why do I still put such importance behind my own promises and word? Because I have higher standards for myself than I do for others or that others have for me. It is my decision to be completely honest and trustworthy for others, even if they aren't for me and I stand by my decision.5
That's where I am in life, I know my life is not as important as others'. I know life is not about me, but about everyone else. And thus I attempt to concentrate on what I can do good, not on the bad others do.
Author notes
Sorry this essay was so dry, but when asked for my honest opinion this was what came out of my heart. The moment I saw this contest I knew I had to write something on it, for promises are very important to me. I simply abhor dishonesty and will not be dishonest in my words or heart. I dislike other people being dishonest but I have learnt to deal with it as just about everybody is and I have no control over them. Yes, I do believe I'm one of the few completely honest people left on this Earth (ok, not completely, I'll tell a white lie once a year or so). I'm not bragging, ask anyone I know and they will confirm it. In fact some say I'm too honest for my own good.
In a list
A contest entry
- Promises, and what they mean to you. by ShadyWilbury.
600 points, ended December 31, 2008, 7 entries
Gold trophy winner
• next story in this contest, remove from contest - ANYTHING GOES! LETS SEE HOW MANY ENTRIES WE CAN GET!!! by Marisalyn13.
100 points, ended November 15, 117 entries
• next story in this contest, remove from contest
have you ever broken a promise?
Comments
1 - 8 of 8
-
This Was Hard On My Eyes ...
But that doesn't matter. Yes, I guess I did break a promise, everybody probably broke a promise once, right? Good job, tis was very nicely written! Good job, good luck, and thanks for entering!
~Bring Me To Life~ -
Oooh I like this! (: I want to show it to my mom. She always says "Oh shoot, I promised to take you today and I forgot" when she hadn't. She can't tell the difference between a promise and a plan...
-
-
hehe... yep most people can't tell the difference. I looks like you can though. Great to see more like minded people here.
-
-
wonderful and very honest entry...just because i know you truly dear...i can say that yes i know someone who is very honest and live her every promise like Karma....i feels gratitude to my God that i have a friend like you dear....well done .
Good luck toni.
-
-
thanks. you make me feel special now
-
-
Oh, and...
Totally forgot to applaud. Thank you!
-
Are you and I on the exact same wavelength? (If I hadn't created this contest, I might have written something similar for another.) This actually ties in very well with the promise I was thinking of when I created this contest. (See my work April... for some insight into that.) Thank you for entering this wonderful piece.
-
-
Great! Thank you! I'm happy you liked it and surprised to see you're thinking the same way I am.
-
Adding your comment:
1 - 8 of 8
