A promise is a promise, right? We learned at a young age that by doing what back then was a “pinky promise” was not to be broken. It seems to me that back then, promises were not as serious or often as they are now. I am one to make too many promises. I like to stay busy and I like to make life easier for people. However, I often find myself saying, “I make too many promises!” as I walk quickly out the door on to my next task.

I have found that being one to make many promises is both a good and bad characteristic. I don’t like to disappoint people, which is positive, but making too many promises can make letting people down happen often. Before college, I knew that I always tried to fit too much into one day. However, I don’t recall having most of my activities due to other people asking me. It seems that lately I am running around for other people instead of myself.

College has taught me to prioritize and trust myself when I know I need to say no, but the little tasks seem to be what are killing me lately. I don’t mind doing them, and in my head I will be able to accomplish them easily without any conflicts. I feel as though I do more work when it comes to my social life than I do with my school work. I like to help people. I like to be involved and stay busy. I am not one to lay around all day. However, making too many promises gives myself less free time and often makes me have to cancel on someone. Which I absolutely hate doing.

Making promises is positive if you can keep track of them all and follow through with them. I have learned that even if you make a light-hearted promise, people will follow up and will count on you to keep your word. College has taught me that I have yet to find a balance for myself and others. I like to stay busy, but I know I should make more time for myself, especially to relax and get homework done.

I hate disappointing people, and I tell myself that while I am young, I should be active and involved. I love making friends and trying new things. However, finding a balance is hard. Making promises is a lot more responsibility than it was in the third grade. And whether it’s a "pinky promise" or a spoken promise, they cannot be broken.