Dec 06 2008
Respect
We all want it and expect it. Aretha Franklin even sang about it but unfortunately we don’t always get it. Yesterday, I witnessed firsthand how demeaning and ugly disrespect can be. I’m the type of person who if you show me disrespect that’s one thing but to be disrespectful to the people I love and care about is unacceptable. It infuriates and deeply hurts me. I won’t get into details here however I want to talk a little bit about respect in general terms.
Respect as defined by Webster’s is: to feel or show high esteem for, to hold in high regard. To show consideration for, to avoid intruding or interfering with.
I think the keywords here are show consideration for and avoid intruding or interfering. As human beings we should all show consideration for each other. We should be considerate of people’s feelings, wants and needs. To me it’s just a matter of being human. If you are inconsiderate of others you are less than human. Intruding and interfering with the lives of others does not just say you are a busybody but rather someone who does not have a heart, period. For me there is no other explanation.
Just think about it. If we all were considerate of others, allowed them to live their lives as they see fit and not intrude or interfere with their own belief system wouldn’t this world be a much better place in which to live? If Governments lived by this same rule would we see so many wars and conflicts? No. It’s just a matter of live and let live while showing consideration for others.
Respect is the most important stronghold to any relationship even if that relationship is between strangers. Without it there is nothing.
I could not agree with this more.
Robert - Danny and Ratty, thanks for your comments.
Absolutely, Jo. Respect needs to start with our children as well. It is something they learn from us. It upsets me so much when I see parents berating their toddlers, “You’re stupid”, etc. I’ve noticed, also, how little respect we seem to offer our elders in the U. S. as compared to places like Asia where they are revered. A little respect goes a long way toward making the world a better place.
Respect is something my parents taught me about when I was little, especially respecting your elders. I think I have a lot of respect for people, even those I don’t care for. I figure even if I don’t like them and have to see them, the least I can do is try to tolerate them. (That is, as long as they don’t step over the line and show disrespect to me.)
Thanks you guys for commenting.