The promise, made when I am in love and because I am in…
“The promise, made when I am in love and because I am in love, to be true to the beloved as long as I live, commits me to being true even if I cease to be in love. A promise must be about things that I can do, about actions: no one can promise to go on feeling in a certain way. He might as well promise to never have a headache or always to feel hungry.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
A promise of fidelity must be based on actions, not feelings that can change, so true commitment endures beyond love's fluctuations.
In simple terms: Commitment should be action‑based, not feeling‑based.
Base promises on doable actions.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- marriage vows
- friendship contracts
- professional oaths
- personal goals
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- How can you honor a promise when emotions change?
- What actions can you guarantee?
Feelings are volatile; promises may become impossible if emotions shift.