As good as your word

Do the words, “I promise I’ll call you” or ”You can always count on me,” sound familiar? The words slip off your tongue as just that…words.  But neither the call nor the reliable support a friend needs ever happen. Your intention was sincere, but the follow through somehow went amiss. Think of how the person felt when you failed to do what you promised. Think of how you feel when you are the recipient of those failed actions. There was a time when your word was considered your bond. There was power in verbal business agreements that were sealed with a handshake. Behind such agreements was a sense of integrity. Their actions were consistent with their words. Today we use terms like “ghosted” to indicate being consciously ignored when a simple “I’m not interested” or “I don’t have the time” would suffice.  At least this would provide closure on the interaction and the other person could move on. Our reluctance to do so may be based on not wanting to offend the other individual, but in the end it still feels like an offense. The next time you are tempted to go back on your word, reconsider it as a way of expressing your good intentions. How would you rate yourself in carrying through on your word?

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