French culture treats given word as creating genuine obligation that binds regardless of changed circumstances, personal inconvenience, or better alternatives appearing. Once you commit, you are bound; the commitment exists as something real that must be honored. This absolute quality means you should commit carefully—not lightly, not casually, not to things you cannot truly commit to.
But once committed, expect that French counterparts will hold you to your word even when circumstances have changed. Explanations may be heard, but they do not dissolve obligation. The commitment persists as something owed. Conversely, commitments made to you by French partners carry the same weight; they expect to be held to what they said and will take seriously any perception that their word is being questioned.
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