What does 'commitment' mean to you?

Question

I think that in society we have a general view of what it means, which has influenced and shaped how most of us percieve commitment, rather than defining it by what makes us individually happy or content.
What do you think?

Answer 1

Well, within the context of a romantic relationship (and I'm going to assume that's what you're referring to here) I think it's generally accepted that "commitment" is, primarily, being monogamous and, secondarily, making your partner the central focus of your social life.
That's my definition as well. I don't think it's necessary to have a commitment to have a relationship (a "friends with benefits" kind of a thing). But if I make a commitment, that's what I mean and that's what I expect from my partner. And I believe that two people can be happy and content both individually and collectively within that kind of arrangement. And ultimately, that's what I would like to have.
I'm certainly willing to admit that society's definition has shaped how I personally define it. And, if I were to intellectualize it and look at it objectively, I might be able to accept a different definition. On paper, at least. But in practice, relationships are emotional endeavors and I approach them emotionally and intuitively. And my emotions tell me in no uncertain terms that I don't want to share a woman I love with another partner. And I don't want a woman I love to be okay with sharing me with another partner - that feels like it devalues me, and it's very important to me to feel valued in a relationship.

Answer 2

Having commitment with the one you love (family, girlfriend, boyfriend, children, friends, or bestfriend) is a big responsibility.

For the family, commitment must have good foundation in "Aspect" of financial, physical, emotion, spiritual, and mental. All of them should be taken as a whole not by parts.The foundation in different aspect will foretell the long stand of having happy family. if you cannot maintain these then their is possibility the commitment will be wasted. And you might start again.

Answer 3

To me a commitment is a very serious thing. It doesnt matter if it's at work or with family and friends. First of all,I dont make one unless I know I can follow through on it. Once I do commit myself, there is virtually no way I would go back on it. That's what I saw growing up and it's what I passed on to my children.

Answer 4

To me a relationship commitment means no others are to be dealt with intimately, that all possible time will be spent with one another, loyalty on ALL levels, helping and sharing with both the good and bad in one another's lives and in general having another that one can feel 100% safe with.

Answer 5

To me it means devoting your primary focus to that which you have committed to. If a time comes that you can no longer honor the committment, you must see to it that you give notice, help to resolve the situation, or in a romantic relationship be honest and up front about what has changed.

Answer 6

Commitment means no matter how tough the road is you never turn back.

That is true commitment.

Answer 7

commitment is when it's too late to pull out of the wave and you have no choice but to take off and go for it regardless of weather you think you're going to make it or not

Answer 8

Commitment means we're in it until once of us gets bored.

Answer 9

To me it means to make a desicion in favor of known facts.



...sometimes facts are way to old fashioned for me.

Answer 10

I think it means something that you are devoted to...something (or someone) that you won't leave for a reason that isn't sufficient enough.