Of all the attributes of being an Adult, this one stands out the most.
It’s the personality trait that will get YOU noticed as well…because it’s the foundation of any good society and relationship. Chances are, you don’t even understand what respect truly means.
respect |rəˈspekt|
noun
1 a feeling of deep admiration for someone or something elicited by their abilities, qualities, or achievements: the director had a lot of respect for Douglas as an actor.
• the state of being admired or respected: his first chance in over fifteen years to regain respect in the business.
• due regard for the feelings, wishes, rights, or traditions of others: respect for human rights.
• (respects) a person's polite greetings: give my respects to your parents.
2 a particular aspect, point, or detail: the government's record in this respect is a mixed one.
verb [ with obj. ]
admire (someone or something) deeply, as a result of their abilities, qualities, or achievements: she was respected by everyone she worked with | (as adj. respected) : a respected academic.
• have due regard for the feelings, wishes, rights, or traditions of: I respected his views.
• avoid harming or interfering with: it is incumbent upon all boaters to respect the environment.
• agree to recognize and abide by (a legal requirement): he urged all foreign nationals to respect the laws of their country of residence.
It’s not like the song by Aretha Franklyn. It has literally nothing to do with ego, demands or the complete BS you see in movies, documentaries or what is sought for by rival gangs in this country. That’s not respect—that’s more of a lust for power and control over others.
Respect is having value for other people, places and things.
This is the definition I am using…having value for others. The reason for this, is that it’s a selfless focus, it has little if any ego and no matter what else I do, if respect is shown and maintained, my life rolls forward with few hitches.
What’s amusing to me is even though this focus is a selfless one, the results could be considered selfish. The results of this focus always benefit you. Always.
So what’s the problem with respect?