How to Show Respect

PDF download Download Article
PDF download Download Article

Showing other people respect in your daily life is a great way to tell others that you care about them. Whether you’re talking to your best friend or a stranger on the street, respecting them as a person shows that you’re kind and compassionate. We’ve compiled some easy ways you can continue to show respect to everyone in your life (including yourself ).

Things You Should Know

  • Listen actively to other people and offer assistance, acknowledge their achievements, and empathize with their opinions.
  • Disagree politely, apologize when you’re in the wrong, and follow through on your promises to build a positive connection with others.
  • Show self-respect by treating yourself with compassion and avoiding self-destructive behaviors.
1

Listen to others.

PDF download Download Article
  1. Practice active listening to show you respect others. Watch and be quiet when someone else is talking, and spend time thinking about what they’re saying. Nod your head and ask follow up questions to stay engaged in the conversation. [1]
    • Too often, we wait to talk instead of really listening to other people's ideas. Even if you think you disagree, try to consider the point of view and empathize with it before responding.
    2. Advertisement
2

Affirm people’s opinions.

PDF download Download Article
  1. Let them know that they matter. When you’re talking to someone, reinforce and validate their opinions in your own words. You can also affirm their achievements to let them know you see how hard they’ve worked. When you validate people and their achievements, you show them that you respect their hard work and effort. [2]
    • You could say something like, “I can tell you’ve worked super hard over the past 2 years to get your business off the ground.”
    • Or, “What you just said was really cool. I can tell you’ve thought a lot about this topic.”
    • Or, “I’ve never thought of it like that. You always offer a new perspective on complex issues.”
3

Empathize with different perspectives.

PDF download Download Article
  1. You might not understand it, but you can respect it. If you’re talking with someone and you disagree on something, don’t take it personally . Try to remember that everyone has a different background, and the person you’re talking to has their own reasons for thinking whatever they think. [3]
    • A good way to empathize with someone you don’t agree with is to say, “Huh, I never thought of it that way. What makes you say that?” Then, you can learn more about the person and where they’re coming from.
    2. Advertisement
4

Disagree respectfully.

PDF download Download Article
  1. Don’t insult any opinions or ideas if you disagree with them. Instead, acknowledge your common ground before sharing your side. Be specific with your critique, and avoid simple or insulting language like "You're wrong" or "That's dumb." [4]
    • Say something like, "That's a good point. I think I'm seeing it a little differently though..."
5

Apologize when you’re in the wrong.

PDF download Download Article
  1. It shows a great deal of maturity and respect. If you mess up, a simple “I’m sorry” goes a long way in making things right. Try not to make excuses for yourself, and own up to what you did. [5]
    • It might also be helpful to have a plan in place so your mistake doesn’t happen again. For example, if you forgot a deadline at work, you could say, “I’m really sorry. From now on, I’ll be setting reminders on my phone and my computer so this doesn’t happen again.”
    2. Advertisement
6

Call out disrespectful behavior.

PDF download Download Article
  1. Let the people around you know that you won’t tolerate it. If you see someone being rude or disrespectful to someone else, pull them aside and ask them about their behavior. Try to explain that what they did was wrong, and that they shouldn’t do it again.
    • Say something like, “Hey, I saw the way you were talking to Julia earlier, and it seemed kind of rude. I just wanted to let you know that your comment came off as really disrespectful, even though you might not have meant it that way.”
7

Show gratitude.

PDF download Download Article
  1. Thank people for their assistance and their support. This applies to everyone: your partner, your parents, your siblings, your boss, or even your neighbors. Take a few moments to thank them for how they’ve helped you through tough times or been there for you in the long run. [6]
    • Say something like, “I just wanted to let you know how much you mean to me. It was so helpful when you looked over my cover letter and my resumé—I know I couldn’t have gotten that job without you.”
    2. Advertisement
8

Compliment the achievements of others.

PDF download Download Article
  1. Highlight when people around you do well in their lives. Draw attention to achievements and celebrate them with the people that you care about. Try not to be jealous (although it can be tough sometimes), and focus on how happy your loved one is. [7]
    • Instead of making your first reaction, "Why didn't that happen to me?" try saying "That's so great for them!" Keeping a positive attitude will focus attention away from yourself and spread goodwill.
9

Do what you say you'll do.

PDF download Download Article
  1. Stick to your word to show other people respect. If you commit to an event or make plans with someone, come through on your end of the deal. Being reliable shows respect for people's time, and shows that you're making a special effort to be there for them. Respect other people's efforts by being on time, being prepared, and being enthusiastic . [8]
    • Always come to work, school, or sports practice ready to go. Have your materials in order and complete all the necessary work ahead of time. You'll show respect for others by not wasting their time.
    • If you have too much on your plate and you can’t commit, just say no . It can be tough at first, but it’s better to be honest than to be flaky.
    2. Advertisement
10

Offer your assistance to others.

PDF download Download Article
  1. If a friend is struggling, lend them a helping hand. Volunteer to help your friend move, or stay late to help clean up after school events. Even helping your little brother with his homework or helping your dad clean the yard without being asked shows a tremendous amount of respect. [9]
    • If it seems like one of your friends or neighbors is feeling down or going through a rough patch, give them the encouragement that they might need. Learning to say, "You've got this" can make all the difference in the world for someone who might be struggling.
11

Take care of yourself.

PDF download Download Article
  1. Give yourself the same consideration you would to others. Treat yourself to well-deserved trips and gifts every now and again, and spend time with your friends and do fun things in your free time. Don’t be afraid to ask for help when you need it, and lean on your support system in tough times. [10]
    • Set aside a few minutes every day to practice self care . You could take a bath, read a good book, or listen to new music to lower your stress levels and take care of yourself.
    2. Advertisement
12

Avoid self-destructive behaviors.

PDF download Download Article
  1. They can tear you down in body and mind. Stay away from drinking excessively or thinking self-deprecating thoughts about yourself. Treat your body with kindness, and try to be as easy on yourself as you would on a loved one. [11]
    • This includes exercising regularly and maintaining a healthy diet.

Expert Q&A

Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
      Advertisement

      Video

      Tips

      Submit a Tip
      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
      Name
      Please provide your name and last initial
      Submit
      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!

      You Might Also Like

      How to
      Respect Older People
      How to
      Be Respectful
      How to
      Have Good Manners & Be Polite in Any Situation
      13 Ways to Pleasure a Woman
      How to
      Talk Dirty
      115+ Heartfelt Sorry Messages & Quotes for a GF
      How to
      Answer the "What Do You Like About Me" Question (for Men)
      How to
      Tell if Someone Is Losing Interest over Text
      How to
      Make Your Boyfriend Go Crazy over You
      13 Signs Your Friends with Benefits Is Falling For You
      34 Common Relationship Pet Peeves
      How to
      Make a Sagittarius Man Miss You Like Crazy
      How to
      Answer "What Do You Like About Me"
      How to
      Prove You Love Him Other Than Saying "I Love You": 21 Cute Ways
      Advertisement

      References

      1. ↑ https://www.forbes.com/sites/womensmedia/2012/11/09/10-steps-to-effective-listening/?sh=36dc88b83891
      2. ↑ https://hbr.org/2018/07/do-your-employees-feel-respected
      3. ↑ https://www.lean.org/LeanPost/Posting.cfm?LeanPostId=1188
      4. ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/stronger-the-broken-places/201701/25-ways-you-can-show-respect-your-partner
      5. ↑ https://www.utmb.edu/impact/home/2017/02/17/top-10-ways-to-show-respect-in-the-workplace
      6. ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/stronger-the-broken-places/201701/25-ways-you-can-show-respect-your-partner
      7. ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/stronger-the-broken-places/201701/25-ways-you-can-show-respect-your-partner
      8. ↑ https://www.lean.org/LeanPost/Posting.cfm?LeanPostId=1188
      9. ↑ https://www.utmb.edu/impact/home/2017/02/17/top-10-ways-to-show-respect-in-the-workplace
      1. ↑ Camber Hill. Life Coach. Expert Interview. 16 June 2020.
      2. ↑ Camber Hill. Life Coach. Expert Interview. 16 June 2020.

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      To show respect, try to be sincere and a good listener when you talk to people since it shows that you care about what they're saying. Also, compliment people when they do something impressive so they know their hard work didn’t go unnoticed. If someone helps you out, send them a thank you note and offer to return the favor. Just make sure you follow through on your promise or you could come across as disrespectful. To learn how to show yourself respect, scroll down!

      Did this summary help you?
      In other languages
      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 1,020,111 times.

      Reader Success Stories

      • David Latham

        Aug 10, 2017

        "I'm 15 and have a problem with respecting myself and those whom I love around me. The info you have given me ..." more
        Rated this article:
      More reader stories Hide reader stories
      Share your story

      Did this article help you?

      Advertisement