Skip to main content
Nice Thoughts

A Promise? A Pledge? What’s the Difference?

Would I call it a promise or a pledge?

I struggled with that question for some time.  I think the words are used interchangeably but I kept ruminating as I wasn’t quite sure.  What does it mean to make a promise anyway?  And is it the same as making a pledge?  According to the Merriam-Webster Dictionary, a promise is a statement telling someone that you will definitely do something or that something will definitely happen in the future.  A pledge is defined as a serious promise or agreement.  The two words are very similar but also subtly different.

To me it seems that a promise is more of a personal commitment made to yourself or another to make positive change whereas a pledge feels more formal.  For instance, you could pledge to donate $50 to a charity or the US could pledge to send aid to a war-torn country.

The Choose To Be Nice promise is about making a commitment to yourself and others to be nicer, kinder, more respectful, more civil.  It’s about committing to a way of “being” in the world on a daily basis.  I imagine what the world might look like if everyone made the Choose To Be Nice Promise.

I promise to help spread kindness wherever and whenever possible.  And to the very best of my ability, I’ll be nice to those with whom I come into contact on a daily basis.

Are you ready to make the promise?  Click HERE

Make a promise image