People like to be shown respect; many believe it to be a right. However, as in the case of most rights, there is responsibility attached to it. This responsibility needs to be understood in order for us to become worthy of respect.
True respect does not come from what we do, as much as how we do it. This means that we are shown respect according to the virtues and qualities revealed though our behaviour.
Respect is not a matter of supply and demand. On the contrary, if people pick up that we are even slightly in need of respect, they will usually turn away from us completely. This is because the need to be respected indicates a gap somewhere in our sense of self — and most people are so busy trying to fill their own gaps, they get annoyed at the prospect of having to fill someone else’s.
Be suspicious of any desire on your part for respect. Indeed, such thoughts are a sure sign that no one is going to give it to you anyway. The very act of trying to get respect from others proves you to be unworthy of it.
