Respecting Others through Actions

As much as we claim not to bother about being respected by anyone, yet there are many who needs our respect, and here are some ways by which we can show respect


1. Practice self-respect - Because you want to respect others as you would hope to be respected, it is incredibly important that you extend to yourself the same respect and courtesy that you would extend to another person.


If you're thinking something along the lines of, "I'm selfish if I don't spend all my time helping other people," reframe that thought into something like, "By allowing time to myself, I can take better care of other people."

If someone is disrespecting you and not seeing your intrinsic value as a person, you have the right to call them out on it. If someone says something discriminatory or cruel, speak up. Tell them what you found to be disrespectful and why.


2. Really listen- A lot of people don't listen very well, because they're distracted, checking their phone, or thinking about the next thing that they are going to say.

Learn to "really" listen when other people speak. Look people in the eye when they're talking to you. Don't let your gaze dart all over the room, or they will feel that you aren't really listening to what they are saying, pay attention as they are talking. You should keep your phone off or on silent.. If you find that your mind has wandered, ask them to repeat what they just said, so that you can be actively involved again in the conversation.


3. Treat other people's ideas with due consideration - This means listening to another person's ideas, opinions, and advice with an open mind. Even if you don't necessarily agree with them, give them the benefit of thinking about what they have said.

For example, if a coworker approaches you with an idea that you think is completely off the wall, or unworkable, give them the benefit of listening to their idea and weighing the pros and cons. You might be surprised.

Now, if someone's ideas are disrespectful or harmful (like they present racist or views, for example) you are under no obligation to listen to them and should, if you can, let them know that they are presenting disrespectful views.


4. Don't intrude on the time and privacy of others - Time is something that we don't have a lot of in the modern era.


5. Be mindful of your words - The little children's rhyme about sticks and stones is completely not true. Words are "very" powerful and they can be incredibly disrespectful if used improperly. Think carefully about what you're going to say, and to whom. Otherwise you might hurt someone.

Use the term "someone with a physical disability" rather than words like "crippled," "lame," or "deformed." This way you are not defining a person by their physical or mental disability.


6. Cultivate good manners. This is as simple as saying "thank you" and "please" when you're requesting something from another person. It shows that you respect the time and effort that it will take for them to help you, and it will allow them to feel respected.