In a brief visit to the shitless land of the Oxford Languages Online Dictionary, (a resource surprisingly useful in mapping a path around shit that smells like roses), we find the following gold nugget definitions:
COMMITMENT = the state of or quality of being dedicated to a cause, activity, etc; a pledge or undertaking, an engagement or obligation that restricts freedom of action.”
Oxford-provided examples: “the company’s commitment to quality,” or simply put “business commitments.” That’s right, bitches. Commitments mean business. They mean you show up whether you feel it or not. They mean it’s supposed to be two-sided.
LOVE: An intense feeling of deep affection; a great interest and pleasure in something.
Oxford-provided examples: “babies fill parents with feelings of love,” his love of football,” “he loved his sister dearly,” and last but certainly not least, “I just love dancing.”
Are we clear???
TAKEAWAY TIP: Don’t connect the words ‘commitment’ and ‘love.’ There is no absolute inverse or directly proportional relationship between the terms in any type of relationship. When you encounter either of these constructs, take a deep breath and open your eyes. An offer of love without commitment looks like roses and airline miles but smells like shit.
Stopping Shadenfreude 