Quote:
Originally posted by gwross
Is there a little disconnect here? If everyone required that others proffer respect before they reciprocate, then the world would be totally devoid of respect.
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Perhaps.
I don't ask that people treat me, specifically, with respect before I'd reciprocate. Really, I just prefer to see that others have some appreciation for the difficulties that other people face. Causing people further difficulty (especially due to one's own insecurity) is not something that I have any respect for.
There have been times when I show a great deal of respect toward people without first asking appropriate questions. In many instances, I have been deeply hurt by that; and, in fact, continue to be hurt. When people do nothing to give me any indication that they are going to be aware and responsible when dealing with other's lives and emotions, I can't think of much else that warrants losing my respect - or, never getting it.
It's complicated. It's not bulletproof. It's me. I'm flawed. When all things are considered, I'd like to think that I make a little sense - at least - or that my experiences have taught my a little bit more about the human condition than most people should ever have to know. But, maybe, after all, I'm the one who deserves the least respect. Who knows.