The Importance of Respect

Respect is a feeling that develops because of good thoughts about someone and treating them in a manner that shows your admiration for him and cares for his wishes, feelings, rights and of course, well-being. It is deference for someone and is demonstrated via our actions, regard and words to him. It is a fact that it is our heart and actions that show respect to someone. We can easily do so by letting other people talk while making eye contact without interrupting or demeaning them. It is important to give credence and importance to others, and one can easily do so by showing reverence and respect.

The term respect can be interpreted in many ways and is generally considered ethical behavior. It is built around values that one attaches to someone and holds in deep regard and importance. The definition may vary, but it generally puts its onus on ethics, experience, and character. Respect others but make sure that you also have it for yourself because until and unless you respect yourself no one else is going to do so.

Respect is a positive emotion that occurs when you form a good impression about someone and like his traits, quality or action. The importance of respect is that it encourages mutual understanding that can establish strong connections and bonding. Respect is grabbing the attention of everyone you come into contact with so that it promotes a feeling of worthiness in you. Words like cared-for, cherished, up-lifted and honored are used in terms of respect, and this undoubtedly fosters a sense of positivity. The inspiring and beautiful emotions a feeling of respect gives you is fantastic and also an eye-opener.

1. Importance of respect in kids

Respect is an attitude that needs to be experienced so you can understand and defer it to someone else. The foundation stone for this trait should be started at an early age so that it becomes a habit with time. The best way is to initiate this quality in children by showing them the value of respect and treating them accordingly at home. Once a child starts understanding the concept, he is going to emulate and follow it until he knows the actual value of respecting oneself as well as others.

Learning starts from our home, and everyone in the family including the children must realize the importance of respect in our daily lives be it personal or professional. A child learns respect from his elder siblings, parents, grandparents and other relatives. When he starts school,  his teachers and friends play an important role in making him understand that it is a two-way street because even a child is subconsciously aware that respect begets respect.

Suppose a child abuses another kid or does not show respect to his feelings, the next day, the other child will either ignore him or try to reciprocate the feelings. In school, it is automatic to respect teachers because they are considered authority figures, but respect is earned when you are dealing with fellow students, for instance, the child in the above example.

2. Importance of respect in relationships

Respect is often considered the paste that binds relationships and holds them together. It is a two-way street where you have to give respect to earn it, and it is a fact that respect on only one side cannot survive the equation that exists in a relationship. The importance of respect in a relationship is that it helps a person to feel safe and secure in each other’s presence.

The term respect means that you accept someone for who he is irrespective of the fact that he might be different from you. A relationship can survive only when both the people who are involved can express their views without the fear of hurting each other. There must be compatibility factor that encourages patience and the effort of talking and listening to each other openly about their personal and collective needs, wants and requirements. This is possible only when there is respect between them.

Disagreements are part of a relationship, but respect stops them from shouting and downgrading each other and encourages finding a common path in the middle for patching up. When one or both involved partners in a relationship does not respect each other, they will try to control the choice of others, and this will further deteriorate the existing equations between them.

The importance of respect in a relationship is that both parties do not hesitate to admit mistakes and this is what endears them to each other. They give the necessary space to their partner out of respect and make sure that the other is comfortable and happy in his/her presence.

3. Importance of respect in the workplace

In a professional environment, people come across individuals with different personalities, thought-process, and work styles. Sometimes employees do not agree on things, and this may result in harsh words between them. Different outlooks and perspectives are bound to clash if there is no respect between them. This harms the workplace environment and often has harmful consequences for the company.

The importance of respect in a workplace is that it will create a peaceful ambiance where every person shows his willingness to listen to the ideas and thoughts of others. An employee might not agree with another employee, but the disagreement will not escalate as both will try to find the middle ground because of mutual respect. It is imperative to encourage respect via minimizing stress between colleagues and boosting teamwork.

This will improve communication and promote a better understanding and respect. Exchange of ideas, thoughts, and information will enhance knowledge, workflow and efficiency and productivity.

4. Importance of respect in society

Respect is an asset that a human being earns through his activities, actions, and behavior that he does for and in the community, society, school, home, and workplace. It is a feeling of being appreciated or of showing admiration to an individual, community or group via particular behavior or action. The society comprises of individuals who might have shared as well as different culture, opinions, and viewpoints. Functions and gatherings can take place in communities, organizations, colleges, and schools where people will have to interact with each other.

It is important to give respect to your fellow human beings so that they can return it to you the same or even tenfold show their appreciation. Respect is often a feeling of honorable intention or kindness that is shown to others to bring peace and harmony in society.

It is a fact that respect cannot be demanded but earned and that too through justifiable actions and noble deeds. It is these actions and deeds one performs that help him in earning respect for his fellow human beings. It is vital that parents, teachers, friends and other family members teach the importance of respect.

People must learn to teach the kids and other fellows living in their surroundings to build a positive society. It is important to teach children the value of forgiveness, love, care, and respect so that they can enhance their environment with positivity which will have a direct impact on society. It is the small thing that matter and fosters respect for others; for instance, when a young man traveling by bus sees an older woman standing, he automatically stands and offers her his seat.

This shows the young man’s respect for the old age of the woman, and it is these small deeds of respectful behavior that encourages the development of society as a whole.

5. Importance of respect amongst friends, family, and acquaintances

Actions speak louder than words, and the same way one should show respect via behavior, attitude, and actions. It is vital that people learn to control and manage their anger in both personal and professional life as he can lose the respect of fellow human beings. No one likes a person who insults or degrades others hence communicate politely to encourage harmony that will ultimately promote respect.

The importance of respect amongst friends, family, and acquaintances is that it fosters better relationships and helps to bring positivity, peace, and calm in the surroundings. Remember traits like irrationality and impatience are recipes of disaster. It urges disrespectful behavior hence avoid them if you are looking for ways to gain respect from others. Develop a sense of responsibility, love and genuine warmth towards other people.

Be willing to offer a helping hand to the people in need and say thank you if someone has obliged you by his action even if it is very small. This will result in mutual respect, and people will respond positively.

6. Importance of respect in building trust

Trust is something that is developed over a definite period and is very important in human life. The importance of respect in our lives is that it helps to build trust and a feeling of camaraderie amongst people. The trust and respect result in peace and harmony in the environment and ultimately encourages better relationships and strengthened bonds between people both at professional and personal front.

When people respect others, it establishes a feeling of trust and positivity. In case of conflicts, people often ask the individuals they have faith in to act as mediators because they trust him to solve underlying issues and problems cohesively. Remember trust and respect are sides of the same coin.