What exactly does it mean to "respect" someone? Personal definition?

Showing respect is more a statement about us than those to whom we show it. Others may or may not merit our respect, but giving others their dignity protects our integrity and honor. We can set limits, but we do not have to stoop to gross behavior to protect those boundaries. Showing respect to others and allowing them their dignity shows belief in another's potential and allows healing and growth. We must see that potential. We all need respect, regardless of how immature and ignobly we behave. We all need others to see our potential and honor it to better encourage us to grow into it.

Respect Definition

I think your first question (what do I mean by "respect") is difficult to answer because there are different types of respect. For example, I could respect somebody by being willing to seek their expertise in a specific subject. Or, I could respect somebody by not hassling them about a point on which I think they are wrong. Or, I could respect somebody's wishes by not actively acting against those wishes, even if I think I acting against them would be morally justified. I think respect is too ambiguous a word that applies in too many cases for it to be given a simple definition.

As far as being worthy of respect, I suppose I think everybody is worthy of respect in some way. I'm not entirely sure what criteria I use to determine whether or not somebody is worthy of my respect... I'll think about it some more and if I come up with an answer I'll get back to you.

So, in conclusion, my answer to your question is that I can't really answer your question.

I think that there are two different kinds of respect addressed by your question -- there's actually having respect for a certain person, and there's being respectful.

For me, having respect for someone is something that builds as I get to know them. If I come to see them as genuine, trustworthy, intelligent people -- then I have respect for them, regardless of what their belief system may be.

To me, being respectful towards a person basically means not being a jerk. Not sinking to ad hominem attacks. In the context of this forum, not choosing one person (or a group of people) and constantly make them the focus of those attacks.

I think there is a fine line between being respectful of a person, and being respectful of a belief system. For example, there are many christians here that I respect, but I don't have much respect for the christian belief system. Again, in my opinion, saying "Christians are delusional" is being disrespectful towards particular people. Saying "Christian theology is full of contradictions" is not a direct, disrespectful attack.

This Site Might Help You.

RE:

What exactly does it mean to "respect" someone? Personal definition?

There's a lot of talk of respect on here: whether it's respecting individuals but not respecting their beliefs, respecting (or not respecting) religious traditions, respect being mutual, etc.

My question is: what exactly do you personally mean by "respect" in these, or other,...

Hate speech, degrading people, telling people they are stupid for what they believe...that is all disrespectful.

When someone asks a question that is actually a statement in disguise, I think that's disrespectful.

I am here to ask honest questions and get honest answers, not to be ridiculed or to ridicule others.

Everyone is worthy of my respect in that I will not be rude or hateful to them. Just because someone treats me badly doesn't give me the right to do so to them.

Matthew 5:43-48

"You have heard that it was said, 'Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? And if you greet only your brothers, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect."

you are a very smart person .Only intelligent and mature Questions.

I agree that someone deserve My respect if he pass over he's personal egoism.All Americans talk about Tanks giving or donations or other superior and respectfull activities.is a kind of Respect for someone like this IF he have nothing to win (only to be good).

This is a very difficult question.

Hmmmm...I think respect to me is accepting someone's personal expertise - in a field or their own life, their expertise in making their own decisions, etc. It's accepting their abilities, and deferring to them when they have the greatest expertise in the area. Generally, this would entail letting people make their own decisions because they are the foremost expert on their own life.

Respect is seeing the worth in someone or something and accepting it for what it is, allowing it to be if we are not the ultimate caretaker / recipient of the service, putting aside our own feelings in deference to the higher expert or authority.

That's very difficult to explain. Someone is worthy of respect when they show they actually have some expertise in the field or issue, which always includes showing respect for your expertise as well.

Mainly I respect people who do not resort to verbal insults. Even the "S" word (stupid) is considered an empty insult to me.

I, also, have little respect for people of a claimed religion (NOT faith which is different) that know little of the tenets of their religion or worse follow the opposite and think that that is OK.

To give respect to someone means I communicate with them without being rude, condescending, or judgmental. It means I value their opinion, even if I disagree with it.

A person earns my respect by showing that they are reasonably intelligent, open-minded, and capable of also showing respect to others.