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THE RUNAWAY BRIDE AND OTHER STORIES
Kathlyn Q. Barrozo
Class of 1991, University of Santo Tomas
B.S. Medical Technology
The Julia Roberts film entitled “The Runaway Bride” is a hilarious movie about a woman who literally runs away
on the day of her wedding, sometimes even leaving her groom before the altar in utter disbelief and shame.
She had already done this many times, earning her the moniker “The Runaway Bride”. Her problem was that
she would suddenly get into a panic attack during the event because she was deathly afraid of the uncertainties
she believed were part of being married. The story ends well, and is worth watching over and over again, if only
to prove that commitments, though oftentimes hard to keep, can bring about happiness and contentment
when they are kept.
In the family, we might find ourselves having to make numerous commitments: a new dress for a daughter; a
new cellular phone for a son; a date with the spouse; a call to a sister; a visit to a parent/grandparent.
Remember that when all other people leave us and the world crumbles, our family is all we have. Whatever
commitments we make to any member should be kept. Otherwise, we might end up estranging ourselves from
them. Do not make a promise you cannot keep, especially to your kids. Children are intelligent enough to
understand when we say we can not make a commitment just yet. Just assure them that in the future, you
could be able to commit to something for and with them. Or, try making a compromise. That way, you do not
unduly disappoint them.
In the workplace, weigh your options carefully before making a commitment. If, for instance, the boss wants a
report done within a certain period, you are under obligation to complete that report. But tell your boss at the
onset if you expect any delays or possible unexpected problems. As for unforeseen events, immediately inform
the boss of them so he knows you’ve been working on the report and have experienced some setbacks. If you
do this, the boss gets updated accordingly on the progress of the report.
When we make commitments to our friends, it’s tempting to break them when we run into fortuitous episodes.
Consider a commitment to see a friend you haven’t seen for a long time. If you’ve got pressing concerns that
prevent you from keeping your commitment, tell your friend honestly about them. If he is a true friend, he will
understand. But promise to make it up to your friend when you can.
Remember that a commitment is a promise you are obliged to keep. Getting out of a commitment can be like
trying to unscramble an egg. It is therefore upon us to do what we can to fulfill our commitments.
Questions for Discussion:
1. Has someone ever made a commitment to you that they have not kept? Talk about it in class.
2. How do you make sure that you always keep your commitments?
3. Is it easy for you to keep your commitments? What commitments are always the hardest to keep?
4. Talk about a certain time when you couldn’t keep a commitment. Share your thoughts about that episode.
5. What would you do if your boss gave you a task you honestly felt you wouldn’t be able to do?