We all have met someone who shows complete disregard for other people and their rudeness defines them. We tell ourselves that we are not like that because it is so distasteful in our society. But, the reality is, many of us don’t even realize when we are being disrespectful. Those of you who lived in the early 1900’s know what I’m talking about.
Today we are so bogged down with our own hectic scedules and lifestyles that we don’t have a lot of room for anyone else or their needs and feelings. We have no time to waste, and thinking about someone else would only slow us down. This doesn’t show intention to be rude or disrespectful, but in reality that is exactly what it translates into.
To manage our lives well and in an orderly fashion is a good thing. A necessary thing. To brush anyone and anything aside to maintain our idealistic way of living is foolish. We are losing out on so many things by doing this. We miss opportunities and friendships pass us by. We focus on ourselves and this is a warning side to others to beware of you. You are consumed with your own happiness and isolate yourself from some of life’s many joys.
There are ten good reasons why you should be thoughtful towards others and respectful:
Boosts Your Own Self-Image. When we treat others well, we are as aware of it as the recipient of our kindness. This sends positive signals and we feel a little lighter and more pleasant as a result. Also, other people will take to us more readily and this helps establish friendships. When we disrespect someone else we don’t usually feel very well about it. We feel cheapened and unlikeable. Our conscious will nag at us and we feel isolated from other decent people.
You Seem More Educated. A lot of times we think of fitful people as being less educated and more ignorant. Whether they are ignorant of society’s social etiquette, or were just raised in a poor environment with little or no teaching, we feel a little above them as a result of their bad behavior or manners. If a person shows respect for life and neighbors and things, they are generally well taught and more sophisticated. A person does not need to be well educated or of a high social status to have good manners, however. On the contrary, many wealthy people are clothed in their own rudeness! I am referring to first impressions here. It makes you unforgettable when you have good taste and good manners.
Keeps You Real. It keeps a person real when they can appreciate someone else or their efforts. It puts us at their level in some way, and not below or above them. A poor man paints a genius landscape and is thanked earnestly by a wealthy buyer. A rich fellow stops along the road to help a young person fix a tire. A blind man thanks God for new eyes. God blesses a sinner for having faith in an unseen presence. All of these things show a generosity that is outside of self. It is a free gift of word or deed that prove there is still good in our lives. This keeps us grounded and level. We mess up when we think we deserve a throne with our name on it.
Incites Good Will. When someone treats us with respect, we immediately reciprocate. Or we should! We feel valued and this creates a pleasant repitoire. Our hearts soften and we are more inclined to make an effort on their behalf from now on. They seem comfortable in their skin and not preoccupied with self. These are honorable characteristics and we want to reward them.
Sets A Good Example. There is someone out there that looks up to us. Whether it is a sibling, co-worker, child, best friend, or acquaintance, someone is watching how we behave and is going to copycat us. If they look up to us, and we are constantly disrespecting others, what do you think they are going to do? If it is okay for you to do it, it must be appropriate behavior! Good role models should be commended. Just the fact that someone else is learning from me, makes me that much more certain I want to set a good example for them.
Heightens Your Social Status. In my experience, it was the classy people with nice manners and respectable ways that got the crown. They were typically the most popular, likeable, engaging, and most sought after group of folks in my school or my work. And for good reason! These personalities are invaluable because they show etiquette, poise, and a good disposition. People gravitate towards them because they are like magnents for success. They know how to treat others and speak to them in a way that is gracious and proper.
Shows You Are Not Selfish. People that treat others poorly are often seen as selfish individuals. They are wrapped up in their own world and have no time for anyone else. They tend to be judgemental, gossipy, and malevolent. They will do bad things just to get ahead. It doesn’t take much to figure out why this sort of person is not a prize. To have regard for another and treat them with due respect shows a strength of character and a pleasing nature.
Others Matter To You. Just by being respectful to others you are showing that you care. You care that they exist and there welfare matters somewhat to you. Maybe your job matters to you. Maybe it is your family that matters and you don’t want to lose your job. This is why you treat your jerk of a boss with respect, huh? Even so, you are showing that you keep yourself in check for someone else. This is praiseworthy and socially accepted. Just stopping and letting a stranger have the go ahead is not necessary, but it is praiseworthy.
You Care What Others Think. Most of us don’t want people to see us as ill-mannered and rude. We want to be as respected as we make others feel. To care what other people think of us can be a valid concern. If the right person is wronged by us, we could suffer the loss of a job, relationship, or even reputation. This would be no laughing matter, and what someone else thought of us could suddenly become an important matter!
You Understand Consequences. We can’t get away with being rude our entire lives and never expect to face the consequences. Bad behavior is ugly to behold. Our actions will always lead to some sort of punishment or reward. A disrespectful person will not be followed by good things. A good thing might happen now and then, but the majority of their life will be negative consequences for their behavior. If you treat others with respect, you are showing that you expect good things to proceed you. You don’t want to be the reason for your own heartache down the road.
A nation that wants peace treats other nations with respect. A wise man shows regard for another’s thoughts or passions. A person that desires a peaceful existence will not live a life filled with malice. Most of us desire a calm, relaxing environment to dwell in. Showing respect is a sure way to keep that a possibility. Forego your tendencies to rush so much through this life. Slow it down a bit and look at your surroundings anew. Take things in and give them thought. Hear people out and ponder on what really matters. Give people respect, even if you feel they don’t reciprocate it. It is well worth your while to behave, live, and interact in a respectful fashion.
