Promises: what would you do?

[eldren]

I recall thread in which someone posed a moral problem they had already decided on, to see what others would do in their situation. I follow suit with the issue of promises (Vague to protect the innocent):

Two promises were made, let's call them A and B. Both were made sincerely and both with the full intent of keeping them. Promise A was made several months before promise B, but both were fairly major promises (No, you don't get to find out what they were). However, a few more months down the line, circumstances have resulted that make each promise mutually exlcusive - keeping A would mean breaking B, and vice versa.

So, as the subject - what would you do?

[Korky]

lol trying to think of something intellectual to say but ur giving us two choices A or B right? and the only info we get is that A was promised a few months before B, how do u draw a sensible conclusion to it :S

Keep A cause u made it first o_0

[silent ben]

try to explain 2 whoever you made promice B with that you made another promice before theirs that means you cant keep theirs.

Ben

[Nox]

two mutually exclusive major promises? hmmm, take a good look at the moral situation of both, take a look at each one and imagine breaking it. Which one would you regret breaking least?

Nox

[eldren]

Hmm. Now that I think of it, there are a few details I can add. Both promises were made to the same person. No, it's not possible to explain to the person why I'm not keeping one of the promises, as that would cause extensive hurt. However, it would probably lead to B being voided by them.

[Richie]

If both were made to the same person then this person must know that you promised them. Explain this to them (altho you say you cant, I dont understand why) and see what they say as they may not require you to keep the first promise as the situation has changed negating the need to keep both.

[Angus]

Definitely with Richie on this one.

If they know about both promises, then they should be made aware of the circumstances that mean that one of the promises can't be kept.

If they're sensible and understanding, they won't mind. If they don't, you want to be making promises to someone else.

Hope you sort it out

[BoB_DoG]

As it is with many dilemmas, you know this situation best, as you have experienced it. If you think you are a fairly intelligent and sane person, trust yourself to do whats right, and whats best for your friend.

No one here can tell you whats more important (as we dont know). Work it out for yourself, as I would guess that deep down yo already know what is right, and you are just looking for confirmation.

Just my opinions tho mate

Good luck

[unrealrocks]

Right, first instinct would be to keep A and not B as its been made for longer but does greatly depend on the promises ...

Also you should take into account which one has greater affect on this person and other people. Can you compromise the promise? ie only break part of it?

[Slick]

It's hard to give advice without knowing what the promises are.

There is a third option though....keep neither promise

[eldren]

Well put, Bob. Seems I didn't make it clear, but I'd already made up my mind, before starting this thread. Just curious as to how others might handle the dilemma.

[spazman]

i'd explain the situation surely they would understand that you have to let somebody down

[Angus]

Originally posted by eldren
Well put, Bob. Seems I didn't make it clear, but I'd already made up my mind, before starting this thread. Just curious as to how others might handle the dilemma.

Sorry eldren, obviously didn't read trhe whole post .

Do we get to find out what you did?


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[[GSV]Trig]

Advice is what you ask for when you know the answer to a question but wish you didnt.

[Knoxville]

Trigs right there tbh

when i ask for peoples advice 9 yimes outta 10 i already know what im gonna do

[steve threlfall]

Theres a difference between knowing the path and walking the path