Respect is a requisite for healthy relationships and interactions. It’s normal to have disagreements in a relationship, but this is not an excuse for disrespectful behaviours.

When there is a lack of respect, our conversations and interactions become about defending pride and self-esteem. While we seek respect from others, let’s also demonstrate respect ourselves:

• Listen before speaking. Before expressing your viewpoint, listen to what others have to say.
• Be emotionally empathetic. You can never know exactly what’s going on in someone else’s life — so when you speak to them, don’t be judgmental, impersonal or closed-off. Keep yourself emotionally open, pick up on others’ cues and practice empathy.
• Be respectful of other people’s language, culture, gender, race and religion.
• Value others’ opinions.  Always make sure to value others’ opinions, encourage expression, consider their viewpoints and collaborate as the different viewpoints open up new ideas and possibilities that are unhindered by our own preferences.