1. Why do people make promises to others?
I think people make promises because they want to show commitment and reassure someone that they can be relied on. For example, if a friend is going through a difficult time, you might promise to help them because you don't want them to feel alone. Sometimes, though, people make promises emotionally, without really thinking about whether they can keep them. In those situations, the promise is more about making the other person feel better at that particular moment.
2. Do you think people nowadays keep their promises more or less than in the past?
I'd say less than in the past, although it's difficult to generalise. Nowadays, people tend to have much busier lives, so they make commitments quite casually and then forget about them. Social media and messaging apps probably contribute to this as well because communication has become so instant. People can say, "Yeah, I'll definitely do it," without really considering the responsibility behind those words. In the past, I think promises were generally taken a little more seriously.
3. Why do some people make promises that they cannot keep?
I think there are a few reasons for that. Some people simply overestimate what they're capable of. They genuinely intend to keep the promise, but later realise that they don't have enough time, money, or energy. Others make promises just to avoid disappointing someone in the moment. For instance, they might say, "I'll definitely come," even though they already suspect they won't be able to. So, sometimes it's not dishonesty; it's just poor judgement.
4. Is it important for parents to teach children to keep their promises?
Definitely. I think it's one of those basic values that children need to learn from an early age. If a child learns that their words have consequences, they're more likely to become a reliable and trustworthy adult. Parents can teach this through simple things, like encouraging children to keep promises they've made to their friends or siblings. More importantly, parents should lead by example because children tend to copy what adults do rather than simply listen to what they're told.
5. Do you think breaking a promise is always a bad thing?
Not necessarily. I think it depends heavily on the circumstances. If someone breaks a promise because they've simply changed their mind or couldn't be bothered, then obviously that's not very respectable. But sometimes unexpected things happen. Someone might promise to attend a friend's birthday party, for example, and then have a family emergency. In that case, I wouldn't blame them for breaking the promise. What matters is whether they communicate honestly and take responsibility for it.
6. Are people more likely to keep promises made to family members than promises made to friends?
Generally, yes, I'd say so. There's usually a stronger sense of responsibility within families, especially when the promise involves something important. People may feel that disappointing a family member can have a much deeper emotional impact. That said, it really depends on the individual. Some people have incredibly close friendships and may actually value their friends' trust more than their family's. So I wouldn't say it's a universal rule.
7. How can someone regain another person’s trust after breaking an important promise?
I think the first step is to admit that they were wrong rather than making excuses. A sincere apology can help, but words alone aren't usually enough, especially if the promise was important. They need to demonstrate through their actions that they can be trusted again. For example, if someone repeatedly lets their friend down, they could start by keeping smaller commitments consistently. Trust is rebuilt gradually, so they have to be patient and prove through their behaviour that the mistake won't happen again.
