Respect: For Others, Social Norms, and Yourself

Respect is more than just formal politeness. When we respect someone or something, we acknowledge their importance and unconditional value. In other words, respect is an inner attitude: "I matter, other people matter, social norms and rules matter." Respect comes in many forms, such as:

• Self-respect is not about inflating one’s ego but about recognizing and valuing one’s own worth, emotions, and needs. It’s the ability to set personal boundaries and calmly say "no." It’s about self-care and balanced self-criticism, not excessive harshness.
• Respect for others is not about formal submission to authority or elders but about valuing others' opinions, efforts, and even quirks to build mature, constructive relationships.
• Respect for social and ethical normsis essential for a fulfilling life in society. Following behavioral rules, corporate standards, or cultural traditions doesn’t just make us respectable in others' eyes—it gives us a sense of belonging.

Many things in the world deserve our respect: human life, nature, important principles, patriotic symbols, and more.

What Respect Is Built On

We earn respect throughout our lives through our decisions and actions. Sometimes, a heroic deed might suffice, but usually, respect is built gradually, one step at a time. It can also be destroyed by careless words or actions, requiring painstaking effort to rebuild, along with trust.

Respect for us grows when we:

• Uphold moral principles, show kindness, responsiveness, and generosity wisely;
• Communicate confidently yet respectfully, honor others' boundaries, beliefs, and privacy;
• Stand by our convictions, defend justice, and demonstrate courage and perseverance;
• Approach tasks responsibly, keep promises, and honor commitments;
• Accept constructive criticism, apologize when needed, and maintain a healthy self-perception;
• Display professionalism, skill, a pursuit of excellence, and wisdom in judgment.

In short, earning others' respect starts with working on ourselves—including self-respect.

Self-Respect

Unfortunately, not everyone learns to respect themselves from childhood. Sometimes, with the best intentions, parents excessively criticize their children or impose beliefs like, "Do as I say, I know better," or "Give in, you’re older." However, self-respect can be strengthened. Here’s how:

• Treat yourself with care and consideration, as you would a close friend. Respect your feelings, desires, abilities, and skills. Compare yourself only to your past self, celebrating every small success. Pay attention to your health and well-being, don’t hesitate to rest or ask for help, and treat yourself kindly.
• Eliminate what harms you. This includes not just unhealthy food or alcohol but also destructive habits like self-criticism over minor mistakes or associating with toxic people who belittle you.
• Don’t impose unnecessary limits or let others manipulate you. Constantly sacrificing your desires for others, making decisions against your interests, or silencing your opinions out of fear will erode not just self-respect but also joy and purpose in life. Practice assertiveness—think and act independently, take responsibility for your life, and stand up for your rights without infringing on others'. Stay true to your principles, reflect on your life satisfaction, and take steps to improve it. Set goals and achieve them, fueling your growing self-respect, which in turn boosts confidence and courage.

Respect for Others

When we respect ourselves and recognize our own worth, we begin to better understand and appreciate others. What deserves our respect, and how can we show it?

• Respect others' efforts and achievements. Acknowledge the work people put in and celebrate their successes instead of envying them. Express gratitude for their time, energy, and emotions—especially toward those closest to you, who deserve double the respect and attention.
• Respect others' abilities. Trust people, delegate tasks, and allow children to handle their own responsibilities—this shows respect. But when needed, offer help and support; everyone needs it sometimes.
• Respect others' opinions and uniqueness. We’re all different, with our own views and ideas. To earn respect for our uniqueness, we must respect others' choices. Practice active listening, ask questions, and try to see things from their perspective. If you disagree, express it politely, allowing everyone to keep their own views.

Sometimes, accepting differing opinions is hard. Remember, even ideological opponents deserve respect. Learning from others is far more valuable than underestimating them.

• Avoid snap judgments and labels. As the saying goes, "Everyone is fighting their own battle"—each person has reasons for their beliefs. First impressions can be misleading; a scruffy-looking person might be a brilliant professor worthy of great respect.
• Focus on people’s strengths. Virtually everyone has qualities worth respecting. We can choose to see arrogance or, alternatively, confidence, decisiveness, and initiative.
• Don’t meddle unnecessarily, especially in gossip, unsolicited criticism, or pointless arguments, online or offline. If you can’t say something kind or useful, stay silent and focus on your own affairs—this preserves others' respect and your peace of mind. Broaden your horizons and fill your life with engaging activities, and you’ll care less about others being "wrong on the internet" or living differently.

Strive to be open, attentive, and respectful in interactions. Mutual respect makes coexistence peaceful, constructive, and comfortable. As the saying goes, "Treat others as you would like to be treated."

Learn to accept people as they are. Relationships evolve, and among those you’re indifferent to or dislike, there may be people who could become important to you. A respectful "I heard your speech; your perspective is fascinating" or a simple "Hello, how are you?" can be the first step toward connection.