Going back on a promise?

Question

If you made a promise to someone that you wouldn't do something, and if you're out of contact with them, is it ever ok to go back on that promise?

I think I've had enough criticism for today, indeed for a lifetime, so please hold off on that.

By the way, this is the first time I'm even considering breaking a promise, breaking promises is not something I do routinely.

Answer 1

If you promised to give your car to a friend, and a tornado blew the car to Omaha--in pieces--obviously, you can't keep your promise.

But it is dishonorable to fail to keep a promise because it has become inconvenient to keep it.

Answer 2

No. Promises are made to be kept. If you aren't going to keep the promise, then you shouldn't make it. It all has to do with integrity. If you care about your reputation, then you should never break the promise because when you do, it will be known and people will no longer trust you. About the only time a promise can be broken is if there is something that happens that prevents you from fulfilling it. This would be like you suddenly wind up in a hospital flat on your back in a coma unable to do anything. No one then would blame you for breaking a promise.

Answer 3

You are the one who has to live with the knowledge that you broke a promise. How much that affects you is up to you. Promises are promises whether in contact or not. You are the one who has to live with the consequences if and when the other person ever does find out. Hence you're the one who decides if it's ok to go back on one.

Answer 4

Don't break a promise. It's like you are asking, 'Can I break a promise if the person can't see me breaking it?' What does that have to do with anything? You contact the person and tell them you are having a hard time keeping your promise and can they release you from it. They could say, sure. Then you don't have to stick to that promise anymore.

Answer 5

I would strongly suggest that you keep your promise! Even if you are out of contact with that person. Your reputation is on the line and all it takes to ruin that is one time. In some way some how if you decide to not follow through and that person finds out...then what? Would it have been worth it?
From what I gather you are a promise keeper normally, stick to that!!!

Answer 6

A promise is a promise. I don't think there is ever really a time to break a promise if you said you wouldn't do something... but it depends on what it is.

Answer 7

Once again, a cryptic question without some understanding here, as to the nature of the promise. It's true, not all can be kept, for one reason or another. But we as humans make them in good faith (if we have any element of character) and it is, up to us to keep them - if they are realistic promises.

So depending upon the nature/reason of the promise, it may or may not matter.

Grace

Answer 8

If the promise you made was reasonable then I would keep it. If it is something unreasonable that would make you unhappy then go ahead and break it.

Answer 9

Remember the promise was for him, if he is not apart of your life and you want to do something again, if you can talk yourself into wanting to do it, then whatever floats your boat.

People change daily, they start and stop smoking, drinking and what have you. Just remember you will have to answer to yourself.

Answer 10

I only make promises I can keep