[ChrisBennet]

If I give my word it doesn't matter if it's in writing. Maybe I'm old fashioned, but jeesh, my word is my word - it might as well be a written contract. It doesn't matter what the other party is going to do, whether they intend to screw me over, etc. My ethics have nothing to do with their ethics.

This whole "if it's not in writing" stuff is right up there with "it's OK if you don't get caught" IMO.

Frankly, in your friend's situation, I only see an ethical dilemma if he has sketchy "ethics". Otherwise, it's cut and dried.

This is how I handle situations where I've agreed to something that I (now) don't want to do:
I simply ask the party that I had the agreement with if I can be released from the agreement. I explain that I will; of course, fulfill my agreement if they decline to release me.

"Gee Bob, I know I promised to help you move but the Swedish Bikini Team has offered to hand wash and breast dry my car while wearing nothing but tan lines on your moving day. If you really need me I'm there man but if you don't...."


-Chris