I can’t count how many times I’ve given empty promises to the people I love. I didn’t understand the gravity of what I was doing to my name. When people promise me something, I’m instantly linked to that person until the promise is kept or the obligation is fulfilled. It’s almost an obsessive trait that I have. I expect people to honor their word, not that honor necessarily means anything in today’s society, but to be someone unreliable in that manner is also untrustworthy. If a person’s words can’t be backed up with action, what good are they? I learned this lesson long ago, and surprisingly enough, Haley gave me that lesson. Once she removed herself from my life and explained why, that was it. I started showing my obligations, if not in spirit, to the letter of what I say I will do. For me, it’s also a sort of contractual agreement, so it bothers me when I’m promised something (in the spirit of saying you’ll do something is as good as a promise without saying the words “I promise.”) and the person fails to deliver. Some people who hand out empty promises or words don’t realize they’re doing it; they will have every intention of doing as they said. Sometimes, however, real life has other plans, and I’ve seen it happen when a series of unfavorable circumstances come one after another. These things happen, and they’re no one’s fault, but I would ask that the person be more careful with their words because they can hold a heavier meaning to me than they would to someone else. Some others give their word with no intention of keeping to it. I loathe those people deeply and watch them closely while believing nothing they say to me. Especially when they use the words “I swear” or “ I promise you,” which triggers all sorts of alarms in my head. Sometimes, you just know when you’re around these types of people. You hear it in their speech patterns. People around them are usually wary or dismissive of what they say while entertaining a pitch or offer.

I know I can’t change these people or their quirks. I sometimes want people to feel and understand how frustrating their actions are to the people around them. I look for patterns of behavior mainly. I usually give people multiple chances to show me what kind of person they are.  If their words are worth their weight, I respect them. If their words are cheap and thrown around, I’m less likely to give them any respect.