Respect is a valuable quality that can help you in life, both personally and professionally. Treat people with respect by acknowledging their feelings and using good manners. When someone talks, listen carefully without interrupting or being rude. Even if you disagree, you can maintain a dialogue and show consideration for him. Also, remember that if you behave well around others, you will be treated the same way.
Steps
Part 1 of 4: Consider Respect as a Value
Step 1. Practice respect for yourself
Respect starts with oneself and is implemented by knowing one's individual rights and allowing oneself the possibility of making choices. Self-respect means accepting the limits that affect one's health and needs. You are responsible for the way you act and think, not that of others.
- In other words, you can say "no" to people's requests without feeling selfish or guilty.
- If someone disrespects you and doesn't see what you are worth on a personal level, you have every right to react, for example by saying "Please don't talk to me like that" or "I'd rather you didn't touch me."
Step 2. Treat people as you would like to be treated
If you want others to behave kindly, do it yourself. If you want them to talk to you quietly, talk to them quietly. When you don't like an attitude, avoid behaving in the same way. Rather, express yourself and act the way you would like to be treated.
For example, if someone yells at you, respond in a calm, understanding tone
Step 3. Put yourself in others' shoes
It is not easy to respect the opinions of others if you are not able to relate to them. For example, if you have an argument with someone, imagine their experiences and state of mind. This will help you understand their point of view better and react with greater empathy.
- Empathy is a skill that improves with practice. The more you try to understand people, the more you will be able to establish contact with them.
- For example, if something is not clear to you or you disagree with someone, ask your interlocutor to explain or show you an example.
Step 4. Consider the intrinsic worth of each person
To treat someone with respect, you don't necessarily have to like them. You simply have to acknowledge that it holds true as a human being, regardless of who he is or how he treats you. Even if you're nervous or angry, don't forget that he still deserves your respect.
If you have trouble controlling anger and holding your tongue, try taking a few deep breaths. Don't rush to talk, but try to calm down first
Part 2 of 4: Communicate Respectfully
Step 1. Be sensitive to people's feelings
Even if you don't intend to harm anyone, you may be saying something that comes to hurt or offend another person. When you speak, consider how your interlocutor might interpret your words. Recognize his state of mind when he reacts or responds. If you need to communicate something important, be gentle. Words are powerful - use them wisely.
For example, if you have to cancel an appointment and you know the other person will be upset about it, acknowledge what they might feel when you let them know about this change. Tell her: "I'm sorry, I know you cared so much. I'll do my best to get forgiven as soon as possible."
Step 2. Treat people with grace and courtesy
Make sure you ask without demanding. It's easy to be polite. Just say "thank you" and "please" when you ask for something. With good manners you will show respect for the time and effort that others spend trying to help you.
Brush up on the rules of etiquette. For example, apologize if you interrupt a conversation, give your seat to someone in a meeting, and wait your turn
Step 3. Listen carefully
Pay close attention when someone speaks. Instead of thinking about your answer, hear and listen to what it says. Limit the surrounding distractions by turning off the TV or turning off the phone. Learn to focus solely on your interlocutor, not yourself.
- Use neutral expressions to show that you are listening, for example by saying "yes", "continue" and "I see".
- If you notice that you are elsewhere in your mind, ask them to repeat what has just been said, in order to get back on track.
Step 4. Make positive comments
If you constantly nitpick, criticize, belittle, judge or devalue a person, they will probably not be open to your words and will have the impression that you want to annoy them. If you have something to say, do it by trying to encourage her.
For example, if your roommate has a bad habit that makes you angry, bring it to him kindly or ask him to behave differently. Instead of saying, "I can't stand it when you leave the bathroom untidy," ask him, "Could you please clean the bathroom when you finish?" or "I would like, after using the bathroom, that we both had the foresight to leave it clean."
Step 5. Give your opinion when asked
Even if you have a valid opinion, people don't necessarily want to know it. Get in the habit of saying something only when you are asked. In other words, allow others to make their own choices, even if you disagree with them.
- By giving an opinion on everything, you risk hurting people's feelings, even if you don't want to.
- For example, if you don't like a friend's boyfriend, be nice and don't make your dislike known - unless you are asked a direct question or are concerned about her safety.
Part 3 of 4: Handle Conflicts With Respect
Step 1. Value others' opinions
Listen to the ideas, opinions and advice of people with a certain open mind. Even if you don't necessarily agree with them, consider what they say and avoid liquidating them immediately.
Show that you appreciate your interlocutor and what they are saying. You can do this without overlapping your voice with his, asking him questions to better understand his position and listening to his opinion, even if different from yours
Step 2. Express yourself in kind words
There is always a polite way to say something. It is the difference between hurting a person and making an insightful observation. If you tend to offend or get nervous when you talk, especially during a disagreement, learn to use kind words.
- For example, instead of saying, "You don't pay never the bill at the restaurant when we eat together ", put it this way:" I ordered the last dish. Do you like it too? ".
- Avoid demoralizing people, speaking ill of them, insulting and denigrating them. If an argument goes this far, it means you are disrespecting it. In this chaos, take a break.
Step 3. Apologize when you make a mistake
If you make a mess, take responsibility for it. It is normal to make mistakes, but it is also important to recognize your mistakes and the consequences that come with them. When you make an apology, be repentant and aware that you have made a mistake. If you can, try to fix it.
For example, say, "I'm sorry I raised my voice. I was rude and disrespectful. I'll do my best to talk to you more calmly in the future."
Part 4 of 4: Acting Respectfully
Step 1. Respect the limits of others
It is not respectful to put pressure on someone to do something. If a person sets his own limits, don't try to see how far you can push him or convince him to transgress them. Respect their needs and leave things as they are.
For example, if you are in the company of a vegan person, do not offer them a meat dish. If someone professes a religion other than yours, don't make fun of them and don't tell them they are following an illusory or wrong path
Step 2. Be trustworthy
When a person believes in you, show them that you deserve their trust. For example, if he asks you to be discreet about a confidence he has given you, keep your word. Don't betray their trust by referring them to someone else, especially if they know them.
Keep your word when you promise something. This way, others will understand that you are someone they can trust
Step 3. Avoid gossiping or feeding rumors
Talking behind someone's back or indulging in gossip is rude and disrespectful. The victim does not have the opportunity to defend themselves or assert their position, while others feel free to judge them. When talking about an absent person, be sure not to gossip or spread information that could harm them.
For example, if you hear an indiscretion, intervene by saying, "I'd rather not talk about Laura when she's absent. It doesn't seem fair to her."
Step 4. Treat everyone with respect
Regardless of ethnic, religious, sexual or geographical differences, treat everyone fairly and fairly. If you behave unfairly to someone who is in some way different from you, try to relate politely and politely.
