Why Don’t People Keep Their Word Anymore?

If someone I know keeps disappointing me repeatedly – they get three chances unless they’re family – I can’t trust them anymore. It’s that straightforward for me.

I don’t want to be taken advantage of by anyone, especially not by someone whose promises mean nothing now.

And I don’t want my clients to be treated unfairly either. Some can handle it, but others get upset when they’re let down.

Both sides, the giving, and the receiving, need to act like adults. It’s important to be honest with yourself.

What’s the deal with people who don’t keep their word? Is it a widespread issue or something?

Where I grew up on the East Coast, if you committed, you stuck to it, no matter what. If someone said they’d meet you at a certain place and time, they’d be there, even if it was way in the future. You didn’t even consider double-checking – it was a definite thing.

They gave their word and you could always rely on it.

But now, not so much.

People told me they’d do something, and it never happened. Podcast guests have stood me up. A recent client was told that a well-connected person would review her resume. He didn’t. He even volunteered for it. Should she have reminded them or not?

It’s disrespectful to commit to something and then back out. If you don’t have the time, just don’t commit.