Respect is to show regard or consideration towards someone or something. It can be defined as a positive feeling of appreciation towards a person or thing. Respect expresses the regard and consideration shown by an individual towards others.
Respect cannot be demanded, it is an asset that has to be earned. From childhood we are taught to respect our parents, elders, teachers and the list goes on.
There is a personal form of respect, which is well known as self-respect. If an individual cannot respect himself, he cannot respect any other person.
Self respect is an important component for the success of any individual. A person with low self respect may act hesitant, shy or nervous. On the other hand, self respect does not violate the individuality or respect of others. There is a major difference between self respect and ego.
Self respect is acknowledgment of intrinsic worth. A person works to protect and preserve his self respect. On the other hand, ego can be defined as forceful or aggressive imposition of one’s thoughts or judgements over the others. Ego may also consist of being stubborn and close minded.
Hence respect can be called as a behavioural component. A person unintentionally judges the other on the basis of the expressed behaviour and qualities possessed by him. Respect is also an expression of accepting a certain trait or set of traits shown by that person. The qualities or traits that we appreciate, we tend to respect those who own them. So, respecting a person or not may come naturally.
Every person has his own standards of judging people. An individual who possess high moral values and shows compassion and solidarity towards other human beings is respected by a large section of society. Then there are other traits like general behaviour, reaction, response and a personal growth etc.
All these factors contribute to effectively comprehend the term ‘respect’. It is a natural response or reaction towards an individual. To earn respect