"I promise to bring you the moon..."
"Really.....!"
"Yes....And I'll pluck out stars and put them on your feet......"
"Aww....so sweet...!"
Remember these kind of conversations? Most of them, almost exclusively, occur before marriage. Its the romantically involved, love- struck couples, who promise each other everything under the sun. But I haven't heard any spouse hold the other to that promise. Ever heard "Where's my moon you promised?!"
Politicians are another story. They make promises, realistic ones, but nobody is surprised when they consistently break those promises. And as a result, they are not held in high esteem.. These are individuals, for the most part, with a questionable characters.
Now coming to most of us. How much does your "Word" matter? For people who believe in themselves, who have self-respect, it matters a lot. In fact, to the extent that some people would put themselves at a disadvantage, suffer a financial loss, but still go through with a project or proposition, just because they made a promise or gave their word. History is replete with examples of wars, coronations, assassinations --- all because, someone, somewhere made a promise.
What is a promise? The dictionary definition of 'Promise' as a verb --
"assure someone that one will definitely do, give, or arrange something; undertake or declare that something will happen."
Not all promises should be taken seriously. Especially those made after a few drinks-- that is just the alcohol speaking! These promises, when made, should elicit a special kind of response -- a polite nod, a gentle smile and wash it down your gut with the next drink.
On the other hand, people of character generally will hold true to their word. Promises from such people are far and few, but you can bank on them like gold.
And here is one promise that all men will keep for sure -
"Can I borrow a kiss? I promise to give it back!"
This is a quote from the now PM of India, when asked by a reporter on the promises he was making on the campaign trail ---
"The easiest way to lose your own self-worth, and the respect of your friends and opponents alike, is to break promises you make." ~ Narender Modi
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