Thank you for continuing to join me on this series about respect. This week, I had a few moments with my husband when I realized that, in that moment, I was not following some of these tips about respect. I found myself interrupting him and not always considering his opinion. So, again, I'm glad that we can take this the journey together.
Let's look at the next 10 tips:
51) Make the other person's favorite meals regularly (This applies primarily to married couples or domestic partners)
This is a way to show that you have listened. You know what they like. Also, they often say that food is the way to a person's heart. If that's true ,then making the other person's favorite meals is a way show your respect.
52) Ask the other person for advice on the things you're dealing with.
This goes along with some of the other things we've discussion, but if you're having a hard time with something or tryin to make a difficult decision, ask the other person for their advice. Not only does that show respect for yourself by providing yourself with other options to consider, but it shows that you value the other person's opinions and ideas.
53) Do what the other person suggests.
We don't always have the right answers. And even if we think we do, sometimes another person's suggestions may prove to be better. Imagine the opportunities that await you if you follow someone else's suggestions, try new things. By following the other person's suggestions, it shows that you trust them and their judgement. When things turn out well, after following their suggestions, make sure you go back and thank them.
54) Ask the other person, daily, if there is something you can do for them that day. Then do it.
A way to show appreciation and respect for the important people in your life, is to genuinely and sincerely ask them if there is anything you can do for them, and then actually do it. Respect is demonstrating to another person that you care about them and want to do what you can to make their day, their life better. The important part is the follow through.
55) Help the other person de-tox from their day by providing a quiet, calm environment for them to come home to.
Again, this applies more to married couples or people living together. But a way of showing respect is to ensure that they have a relaxed atmosphere to come home to. Nothing feels better than to come home and be able to relax and let go of the stress of the day. Providing a quiet, calm environment shows respect because it shows that the other's person's well-being is important to you. It also shows respect to yourself, because you create a sense of calm for both of you.
56) If you are a working, try to work your schedule such that you can arrive a few minutes before the other person to relax and freshen up a bit.
For married couples or domestic partners, by coming home early to relax, it helps to create the sense of quiet and calm mentioned in the previous tip. By being relaxed and freshening up before the other person comes home, it shows that you have taken the time to prepare for their arrival, that you have anticipated their arrival and want it to be pleasant. It shows that the other person is a priority to you and you want to be able to provide them with your full attention.
57) Get dressed daily and avoid "letting yourself go" physically.
This is one that sounds like it could apply primarily to married couples or domestic partners, however, this is something that demonstrates respect for yourself. By making sure you take care of yourself on a regular basis, it shows that you respect yourself. By respecting yourself, others will respect you as well. Always love yourself enough to take care of yourself.
58) Let the other person know daily, something you admire about them.
Everyone appreciates admiration. And it's a sign of respect when you tell others what you admire about them. It also means that you have had to put some thought into why that person is important to you. By doing this you are reminding yourself of why the other person is important to you.
59) Don't poison your relationship with criticism Ask the other person for what you want, but refrain from telling them they're failing at something - it will demotivate them.
Respect doesn't come from criticism. Criticism is a way of telling the other person they failed, that they aren't good enough. If you frequently criticize another person, over time, it demoralizes them and thus demotivates them to be the best they can be. To give respect is to encourage and lift up the other person. You should try to build up the other person, not tear them down. There is a time and place from constructive feedback, but it should be done from a place of good intention and support, not from a place of showing up the other person.
60) Ask the other person how their day went - then really listen to them about it.
Like many of the other tips, by doing this, it shows that you care about them and truly want to know how their day went. It's common for people to ask "How are you?" or "How was your day?". But how often do we really mean it or take the time to listen to the answer. Respect is caring about the other person, their feelings, and their day to day life.
Respect is important in ALL types of relationships. Whether you're in a romantic relationship, a friendship, or a co-worker relationship, all people deserve to be respected. And it's important for us to respect ourselves and respect to each other. These tips are simply good reminders of the how's and what's of respect.
Please drop a comment on what respect means to you or your thoughts and experiences with any of these tips.
If you're interested in finding out more about respect, especially how to respect yourself and present yourself with self-respect, please reach out to me. I specialize in helping people develop and grow their self-respect, so that others will learn to respect them, as well.
You can also find my previous blog posts at This Therapist's Therapy: https://brittaniedmillsmft.blogspot.com/
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