How to Be Respected

edits by:Mary Anne C., Krystle C., Green Eyed Lady, Andy Zhang

If anyone wants to be respected by others, wealth, clothing or physical attractiveness are not requirements. The way others perceive us isn't necessarily based on our level of education, what schools we may have attended or with whom we are acquainted. Respect is accorded to those who live respectable lives--that is, people that conduct themselves with integrity and treat others, in turn, with high regard. If we set the example by respecting ourselves - appreciating our own good qualities and using them to highlight the positive in other people's lives, then our example will be followed and that same regard will likely be shown to us in return. The most important thing to remember is that respect is earned; we must act respectably in order to receive the benefits.

Steps

1. Present yourself well. Have a bath or shower once a day, be well groomed and dressed neatly. Clothing doesn’t need to be expensive but it should be laundered and in good repair. Take care of your health and your teeth. Your smile will show to others that you enjoy your own company, and theirs too.
2. Keep your language clean and respectable. Say positive things about others whenever possible, but be sincere - people can recognize the difference between true interest and forced flattery.
3. Try not to be negative. It is easy to point out the downside of a situation, but if we make the effort to overcome our obstacles we can lead happier lives and be an encouragement to others. Find ways to assist those who need help and your own troubles will seem less overwhelming, and you feel better for doing it!
4. Greet people in a proper and friendly manner. It is appreciated and returned by others, and makes you feel wonderful. If someone does not reciprocate or acknowledge your greeting, give them the benefit of the doubt. Be polite. It is possible that they may be deeply absorbed in thought and as a result failed to acknowledge you.
5. Never bully others or take advantage of their weaknesses. Bullies are not respected because they don't show respect. Allow people to keep their dignity. Bullies are incapable of showing respect because they typically do not even respect themselves, and/or may not know the definition of respect.
6. Do not be annoying, try not to be strident, this will only cause people to scorn upon you.
7. Don’t act like a know it all. People do not appreciate it when you act superior to them.Listen and respect their opinions, even though these may be different from your own.
8. Be a good role model. Set an example that others would like to follow. When another person imitates you, it is a sign of respect. If someone else has set a good example, let them know how much you appreciate it by your own actions.
9. Be yourself. Don't join in with the latest craze just because others may be following the popular style. Respect yourself by making your own choice, this will bring respect from others.
10. Give everyone a chance. Don't prejudge people, and be pleasant to everyone (until they give you a reason not to). Even if you realise someone is a jerk, always be civil and have class. People around you will respect that more than bad mouthing or confronting them in a mean way.
11. Don't be overly materialistic. Stay focused on people rather than objects that may be lost or destroyed; people are so much more important and our true value is not what we have, it is the person we are inside that others will respect. But in the same vein pay attention to the fact that while materialism is not all of life, it is part of it. We all need things to survive, and while we always must remember that things are not everything and others aren't to be judged just on what they have, we must also keep track of our things and take care of them, conserve them and expect respect for our things from others. Just don't get it in your head that things are everything.
12. Respect yourself and others around you. - Keep your home and surroundings clean and well kept. Your neighbours will respect you and the neighbourhood will be a better place for everyone. Treating others with respect is the most important thing to do; if you treat someone with respect, they'll treat you with respect.
13. Don't procrastinate. Always act with a purpose. When you set your mind on doing something, think about it, plan it as best as you can, and then just do it. Don't wait forever, don't let other people do your job for you, and don't get yourself into a loop of endless planning and worrying about it. People respect action, and equally don't respect procrastination.
14. Live up to your promises. Don't make promises you know you can't keep, or you are unsure you'll be able to keep. It is much more respectable (and more difficult) to just say "No, I can't do that", or even "I don't want to do that". This is where you have to respect yourself and your own will, and make it clear to others in a polite and assertive way. And when you do make a promise, keep it.
15. Always be yourself. Don't imitate others. Everybody needs a role model at some point in life. But even if you are unsure of what to do and you are looking for someone with authority to guide you - always remember who you are, and always ask yourself if YOU agree with what this person says and does. Sometimes, it is easier said than done: sometimes you feel lost and are not sure what you want or what you believe. Its ok to make mistakes - everybody makes them. However, you should still remember that YOU are the final judge of everything that you say and do, and be ready to face up to your mistakes, learn from them and move on.
16. State your boundaries. Clearly communicate what you are willing to accept and what the consequences for trespassing of these boundaries are. Do what you announced to do (or not to do) every time the trespassing happens.

Example: If you want to go out to meet friends with your partner, inform them of the time and that you will leave at this time; whether they are ready or not. If your partner is not ready to go, leave the house without them. Do not let them call you back or change your plans in any way. Do not try to justify your actions, and refuse to accept blame. If at all, tell them that you informed them of the consequences and they are only suffering consequences that could have easily be avoided if they had played by the rules.

Tips

1. Remember that respect is something that people have to earn. It is not given to those who live respectably! You have to prove yourself for each individual, and individuals don't have the same idea of dignity or respect. Don't lose yourself in the socially promoted "virtues", everything you do will be seen by someone as something respectable(building a school as well as murder, genocide etc.), you just have to know exactly who you are dealing with.
2. Be aware that it is very important how people see you interract with others beside them. So be very carefull when dealing with two individuals with different core philosophies, as if you please one of them, the other might lose respect for you.
3. Especially remember to be respectful to bullies. If they take something from you, or start to tease you, say: "Can I have that back? And by the way, that's a cool bike". It will easily throw them off guard. Don't shower them with compliments, as once you lose your unpredictability, they will take advantage of that.
4. Try to find what you're good at, and use it. If you're a good singer, be in the school musicals, sing for events, etc. People will recognise you and your talents. This is a great way to get 'well-known'. Also be careful in overdoing it, and chose the time and place that seem right to you.
5. Bring beauty to your surroundings by giving your neighbours a pleasant view of your home and your personality. Invite the people in your neighbourhood to draw near with genuine interest and friendliness. They will want to care about you, too.
6. Remember that people notice the example your children are following. If you treat your children lovingly and teach them to have respect for yourself and others, you will be treated with respect also.
7. Don't reveal too much of yourself. Mystery is part of the reason why people respect you. As soon as that disappears, people will be able to read you like a book, and where's the respect in that?