# 21 The True Meaning of Respect: Building Healthier Relationships

Always treat others with respect. When reflecting on their lives, people often regret treating others poorly. Nearly all suffering in personal relationships stems from a lack of respect—whether it’s respect that was not given or not received. Yet, few people have a clear understanding of what respecting others truly means.

To give respect is not to harm, but to allow others the freedom to express themselves, and to honor the reality that their thoughts, feelings, and actions are valid in their own minds, even if we find them unimportant or disagree with them. Respect doesn’t necessarily imply approval. We can respect someone’s right to speak without agreeing with what they say.

Respect involves recognizing that others are doing the best they can with what they have, who they are, and the circumstances they’ve been given, even if we don’t see their efforts as admirable. It’s about acknowledging the divinity in others and never inviting disrespect into our lives by projecting it onto others.

"Display honor by unconditionally respecting others, even if you do not see eye to eye because your character is best built on principles not judgment" - Charles Mui

"Respect yourself enough to walk away from anything that no longer serves you, grows you, or makes you happy" - Unknown

"To get respect you must first give respect" - Jesse Cieluch

Ask yourself: How can I cultivate more respect within myself for others?

Action step: Follow up with someone that you may have disrespected and give them a sincere compliment about something that you respect them for.

# 21 The True Meaning of Respect: Building Healthier Relationship #allthetimehappiness