Everyone Is Disrespectful

Everyone is disrespectful. Some more than others. Most are unintentionally disrespectful, some intentionally. These last are usually people in powerful positions and so their disrespect is tolerated or in a perverse way even appreciated e.g. the North Korean people adore their leader even though he is grossly disrespectful of them. But grand examples of disrespectful leaders like Donald Trump and Kim Jong-Un, don't drive the small, and sometimes grossly, disrespectful acts ordinary people perpetrate every day.

Yes, there is much evidence that respect is lacking in the world, and it's because most people have only a superficial understanding of the word; consequently they can't consciously practice it— they don't know how.

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So what does respect mean anyway?

Aretha can’t help you. If you listen to the lyrics it's clear her complaint was about a specific instance of her being disrespected. (Interesting trivia: Know what it was? Answer below.)

The dictionary defines respect as

1. "a feeling of deep admiration for someone or something elicited by their abilities, qualities or achievements."

2. "due regard for the feelings, wishes, rights, or traditions of others."

Most people only relate to the first definition—not the second. This may explain why the same people who want respect don't give it, and stay trapped in a vicious circle of disrespect. In my experience you do reap what you sow.

Everyone wants to be saluted when they walk into a room; maybe not a formal salute, but to feel noticed, that they matter, and to know that others are willing to help fulfill their hopes, and dreams.
But these very people often never (figuratively) salute those close to them, even those they love. They don't—consistently at least—give due regard for the feelings, wishes, rights or traditions of the important people in their

Show up to your appointments on time or be in timely communication if you're running late or can't make it. Replace yourself if you are unable to fulfill on something you promised. Don't leave the person you made a promise to in the lurch by forcing them to find your replacement you. “Hey, bad news, I can't do that thing I promised, but good news, I have someone who is agreed to fill in for me.”

Respect demonstrates love

As with forgiveness, most of us are offered simple platitudes about respect without any meaningful discussion about what these things mean, why are they relevant to us living a good life, and last but not least how to practice them.

Respect is perhaps the fundamental context to relationship, and a natural expression of love.

Once you get that we all need and affect each other, you'll get the relevance of respect. But don't just accept this interpretation of respect; explore what it means to you and please, please, please develop a practice of respect that increases your capacity to do so. Respect allows dignity.

Quote from plump ton.

How to respond to disrespect.

Indignance is an understandable but mostly futile response to disrespect. While some may take your indignance as a cue to apologize and correct their ways, most will double down and defend their disrespect, often by implying or explicitly stating you don't deserve it. It just gets