What is the importance of the "pinky promise" in the novel, I Wish You All the Best?

The pinky promise is a private, repeated action between Nathan and Ben that signifies their commitment to protecting each other, and each other’s secrets, within the environment of their intimacy. Throughout the novel, the pair will pinky promise when they are taking a risk that they feel they need the other’s support for. The pinky promise symbolizes a commitment to the complexity, nuance, and emotion that surrounds their growing intimate closeness.