Understanding Respect

I respect Respect. Respect is a value a person holds as a character strength. Respect starts with you. Do you respect yourself? Respect is a human recognition of self and your personal world. Accepting yourself for who you are and taking care of yourself like you would for another. This includes treating yourself with self care, self esteem, self compassion and self love.

Respect is learnt. When dealing with other people or the environment in your world, respect plays a part of how you will act, feel and be responsive in these situations. We aren't always going to approve, get along or agree with others beliefs and behaviours hence your response plays a part in how much respect you can demonstrate in a situation like this. This can be difficult for some but practising self respect allows you to display positive responses while reflecting on how you feel personally. If you have respect for another person, you accept them for who they are no matter what their situation is or you disagree with them.

How do we know we are respectful to others and our world?

What can you do to show respect to others and your world?

Below is a list of practices in which you can act and behave while respecting others: 

• Being kind and courteous

• Thinking before you speak

• Demonstrating positive verbal and body language 

• Be polite, showing an interest when communicating

• Listening carefully, respond appropriately, avoid interrupting

• Try and understand different perspectives and opinions

• Display care and compassion with words or gestures

• Offer support or assistance if needed

• Treat another person with the respect you would like to be treated in

There are many reasons why we lose respect for ourselves and the world around us.

People are drawn to another person through their beliefs, values and actions. If you are connecting with someone simply for personal gain, I doubt the connection will last if you value respect. It is not respectful when a person is not listening, talking negatively, ignoring your perspectives or opinions, interrupting conversations, being apathetic or pushy with their view, speaking abruptly or aggressively, gossiping, lying or being dishonest. You do not need to put up with disrespect and need to ask yourself whether it supports the respect you have for yourself and your world.

 “Observe respect through words, actions and attitude”