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Basic Respect

Written by Rose M. Garland on 11.22.09

Some will disagree with me on this, but I believe that all people should be initially treated with respect. It’s when they do something to earn your disrespect that your behavior towards them should change.

I don’t think it’s fair to automatically disrespect someone for knowing less than you do, or understanding less than you do. People are different, and while their weaknesses might be your strengths, their strengths may also be your weaknesses.

I also believe very strongly that each person’s life has value. But it is up to each of us, to live a life that has value for us personally. And if possible, to make a good difference in the life of another.

Assuming an equality to another person, rather than a superiority or an inferiority, is the only basis one can have for an equal relationship. In any other situation, the one who feels superior or inferior, will gradually feel the inequality in the relationship, and the relationship will crumble.

It is our job to keep our relationships going as best as we can, with an emphasis on basic equality and respect. Then, by your behavior, you can be a person who is worthy of more than respect. Possibly even love.

All best,

Rose

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(Any advice is purely the personal opinion of the author and should be summarily ignored.)
  • Paul

    I certainly agree that respect should be the first port of call – if nothing else, it's a rational way to behave; through respect we gain a greater understanding and appreciation of the other. This can lead to a greater understanding of how you can help them to grow and how they can (perhaps) help you to grow.

    Of course, familiarity can (and likely will) lead to finding out bad things about the other person – how many of us can TRULY say we have never done anything bad or have skeletons in our closets. Anybody raising their hand, put it down (this is a web page, I can't SEE you. Besides, you're lying).

    Any form of true intimacy requires awareness and honesty and you can't have that without respect – so why wouldn't you start off a relationship that way. And IF the other person really is a 'jerk' (and there are some) then at least you would have been the better person.

    Good post, Rose!

    • http://www.risingupward.com rosegarland1

      Haha, thanks Paul. The part about the skeletons made me laugh. You're right – any form of true intimacy requires the three, maybe empathy too. I appreciate your thoughts – I'm sure other readers will too. :)