Children promise their parents: "I won't ever do that again." And parents make promises to their children: "Yes, I'll get you what you asked for." Husbands, wives, and lovers also promise to each other: "I will love you forever." Even prisoners make promises: "I intend to go straight." 

There are two things that many of these promises have in common: They conclude with words that show sincerity, like "Cross my heart," and many of them become broken. So why, despite good intentions, are our words broken? And what can you do to keep from breaking your word? Promises are commitments.