
This is a multifaceted concept which comes to play in every aspect of human endeavor. Between parents and children, spouses, business partners, friends, partners in a relationship and so on. Commitment is a promise to do something or to behave in a particular way, a promise to support somebody or a cause. It also means to display a firm resistance to any temptation to desert or to betray. Commitment is loyalty. This is one of the basics in a relationship.
At the beginning of a relationship, there should be laid down rules that will guide the partnership. These rules need to be agreed upon by both partners involved. Partners should be loyal to each other at all times, leaving no room for suspicion. In doing this, honesty is essential.
There is no perfect relationship, neither are the partners involved. So, in order for you to learn, improve on yourself and your partner, you have to be fully committed. This helps in strengthening the bond (compatibility) in a relationship and gaining your partner’s trust.
For you to be loyal in a relationship, you must learn to avoid distractions. Distractions refer to people or things that divert, reduce or completely take away the attention your partner should have. To get rid of such distractions, you must be determined and disciplined bearing in mind that, ‘The more committed you are, the less attractive you find other people who threaten your relationship.
In addition to avoiding distractions, try to understand things from your partner’s point of view and also, learn to make sacrifices. In doing this, sometimes try to put aside what you want for what is best for them.
Disagreements are bound to happen in every relationship but commitment keeps you going. At this point, communication is paramount. Communicate with a view to understanding, responding maturely and resolving the disagreement, not reacting violently. Communicating with your partner helps you prevent making unnecessary assumptions and conclusions.
Commitment is the ‘glue’ that keep partners together in a relationship. Without loyalty, there will be deceit, lack of trust, unresolved disagreements and the partners gradually drift apart to a point where they become total strangers to each other.
Relationship is not for ‘babies’, it is for those who are truly matured (most especially psychologically and emotionally) and are ready to be committed notwithstanding the challenges they face in their relationships.