When someone listens to you, truly values your thoughts, you feel respected; when they treat you with kindness, courtesy, and integrity, you know you’re held in high regard.
Ah, the power of respect—it’s a basic human need.
Yet, as simple as it seems, respect can profoundly influence how we carry ourselves in life.
Those who feel genuinely respected tend to exhibit certain behaviors, certain ways of being that set them apart.
In this article, we’ll delve into eight very specific ways these individuals operate.
And who knows? You might just find yourself in the description or better yet, pick up an insight or two on how to enhance your own sense of self-respect:
1) They exude confidence
Confidence is a trait that’s hard to miss.
It’s in the way a person walks, talks, and carries themselves; it’s an aura that surrounds them, silently announcing to the world that they believe in themselves and their abilities.
And people who feel genuinely respected? They have it in spades.
That’s because respect is a powerful confidence booster.
When you know that others value your thoughts, opinions, and contributions, your self-esteem naturally shoots up.
You feel good about yourself, and it shows.
This doesn’t mean they’re arrogant or conceited—far from it.
Their confidence is grounded in a sense of self-worth, not superiority over others. They don’t need to put others down to lift themselves up.
Instead, they simply carry themselves with an air of assurance and stability, unshaken by external opinions because they know their worth stems from within.
2) They respect others
This one’s close to my heart.
You see, I’ve always believed that respect is a two-way street.
You give some, you get some—and I’ve noticed that those who feel genuinely respected in life embody this principle wholeheartedly.
Take my friend Sarah, for example: She’s one of the most respected individuals I know.
Always listened to in conversations, her opinions valued, her presence appreciated.
But it’s not just about how others treat her—it’s also about how she treats others.
She has this unique way of making everyone around her feel seen and heard.
Whether it’s a waiter at a restaurant or the CEO of a company, she treats everyone with the same level of respect and kindness.
And the result? People naturally respect her in return.
It’s a beautiful cycle—respect begets respect.
3) They handle criticism gracefully
Life is full of feedback, and not all of it is positive.
Yet, those who feel respected tend to navigate the choppy waters of criticism with remarkable poise.
But why is that?
People who feel respected are more likely to view criticism constructively.
They see it as an opportunity for growth rather than a personal attack.
Instead of lashing out or wallowing in self-pity when faced with negative feedback, they analyze it, learn from it, and use it as a stepping stone towards improvement.
Now that’s what we call turning lemons into lemonade!
4) They set healthy boundaries
Respect is not just about how others treat you, it’s also about how you allow others to treat you—setting healthy boundaries is a critical part of that equation.
People who feel genuinely respected understand their worth and they’re not afraid to express it.
They have a clear sense of what is acceptable and what isn’t in their interactions with others.
These respected individuals are able to say “no” when needed and they don’t allow others to overstep their boundaries, be it in personal relationships or professional settings.
They hold others accountable for their actions and expect the same in return.
In essence, they respect themselves enough to ensure that others do too.
This practice not only safeguards their mental and emotional well-being but also fosters mutual respect in their relationships.
5) They’re comfortable in their own skin
I’ve always admired people who are unapologetically themselves, those who embrace their quirks, celebrate their strengths, and own their flaws.
It’s a level of authenticity that’s truly refreshing.
And guess what? I’ve noticed that this trait is often found in individuals who feel genuinely respected in life.
They’re comfortable in their own skin; they don’t feel the need to conform to societal expectations or change themselves to fit into a particular mold.
These people know they’re unique, and they celebrate it.
I’ve always believed that being yourself is the greatest act of self-respect.
They show us all that it’s not just okay to be ourselves, it’s essential.
6) They don’t shy away from conflict
While the idea of conflict may make some of us uncomfortable, those who feel respected don’t necessarily view it in a negative light.
They understand that conflict, when handled appropriately, can lead to growth and improved relationships.
It becomes an opportunity for open discussion, understanding different perspectives, and finding common ground.
Instead of avoiding it, they face it head-on, communicate their point of view assertively, and listen to the other side with an open mind.
They stand their ground when needed but are also willing to compromise if it benefits the relationship.
In doing so, they not only uphold their self-respect but also foster a culture of respect and open communication within their relationships.
7) They appreciate themselves
Self-appreciation is a powerful force.
It’s the ability to recognize and celebrate your own achievements, no matter how big or small—and it’s a trait that’s often found in those who feel genuinely respected.
They take time to acknowledge their efforts, their progress, and their accomplishments; they don’t downplay their achievements or brush them off as insignificant.
Instead, they give themselves the credit they deserve.
This practice of self-appreciation not only boosts their self-esteem but also reinforces their sense of self-worth, further enhancing the respect they receive from others.
After all, it’s hard not to respect someone who respects themselves.
8) They live with integrity
At the heart of respect lies integrity.
It’s the practice of being honest, being consistent in one’s actions, and standing up for what’s right, even when it’s not easy.
People who feel genuinely respected are often those who live with a high degree of integrity.
They walk their talk, they’re reliable, and they uphold their values in all situations.
These respected individuals understand that respect is not just given, it’s earned.
They earn it every day through their actions, their choices, and their unwavering commitment to living a life of integrity.
Final thoughts
As we draw to a close, it’s worth noting that the beauty of respect lies in its circularity.
It’s a give-and-take cycle that begins with us.
When we respect ourselves, when we value our own worth and stand firm in our integrity, we naturally command respect from others.
The way we carry ourselves – confident, respectful, open to feedback, with healthy boundaries, comfortable in our own skin, unafraid of conflict, appreciative of ourselves and led by integrity—these are all reflections of that inner respect.
Remember the words of Laurence Sterne, an 18th-century novelist and clergyman, “Respect for ourselves guides our morals; respect for others guides our manners.”
This quote encapsulates the essence of the journey we’ve taken through this article.
As you navigate your life, carry these insights with you; let them guide your actions, your interactions, and your sense of self.
Also, most importantly, continue to cultivate respect—for others and for yourself.
