Chapter 19 Respectful

Respect is accepting a person for what they are, whether you agree with that or not. For example, you might not agree with a person's political views, their religious beliefs or perspective on life. You might even disapprove of their actions and Beauvoir. But that doesn't mean you can't respect them. You don't have to admire a person or approve of their way of life to treat them with kindness and care.

Respect as accepting a person for what they are, whether you agree with that or not.


Perhaps easy to understand, this principle is a tough one to follow. You see, we tend to treat people we dislike with less respect. they just don't seem to be worth the effort. But it will always benefit our personal well-being if we can drop any grudges and allow people to be the way they are. If that's too much of a stretch, however, then at least try not to let others know you dislike them.


Sure, it's hard to pretend that you like someone when you blatantly don't. No one wants to be a fake. But in the end it's your problem, because everyone, no matter who they are, deserves to be treated with dignity and respect. Whether you truly like them or not, when you have a problem with another speak about it as your problem. That's not say you have to agree with the other person to make them feel good. If you've got an opposing opinion, express it  . . . but be respectful.


Here's how.


Choose the most appropriate time to have the conversation. Communicate face to face, ideally, and use warm vocal tones. Begin by acknowledging the other person's point of view. For example, say: 'I understand and respect what you're saying, but here's another way of looking at it . . .'. Then explain your opinion by stating the facts as you see them and how they make you feel.


Remember, we're all been exposed to a variety of experiences in life and have been cultured by our environments. Each one of us will therefore have a unique way of seeing the world. For example: you may have been raised in the West may feel these things are largely unnecessary. We don't have to agree with everything a person says believes, but at the same time, we don't have to verbally bite their head off when we don't.