Respect is a moral and ethical value and It’s a fundamental component in the development of nations to help build better relationships between people. Respect isn’t an instinct that we are born with, it’s in fact something transmitted by family education from a very early age. Cambridge Dictionary defines respect as follows: “admiration felt or shown for someone that you believe has good ideas or qualities”.

Hundreds of people around the world don’t know how to gain people’s respect in their personal and professional lives.

Keep in mind that you can’t make all people respect you. Each person has his own perspective, thoughts, and environment that plays a role in people’s education. You need to gain people’s respect from your most important relationships in life such as family, friends, and your workplace.

Why respect is important?

1. It’s a key to good communication.
2. It helps build better relationships between people.
3. Respect increases self-confidence.
4. Respect prevents bullying, abuse, and harassment at schools and workplaces.

“O mankind, indeed We have created you from male and female and made you peoples and tribes that you may know one another. Indeed, the most noble of you in the sight of Allāh is the most righteous of you. Indeed, Allāh is Knowing and Aware.”Surah Al-Hujurat – 13

Here are the best ways to gain people’s respect.

#1. Respect yourself

Respect starts from valuing and loving one’s self and taking care of it. You’re worthy of respect and should be aware and conscious of your behaviours towards yourself. You need to set boundaries and treat yourself positively to show others that you respect yourself too.

#2. Be honest

The famous English writer, poet, and playwright Shakespeare said.”This above all: to thine own self be true.” — William Shakespeare, Hamlet

Telling the truth and being honest is the key to integrity and a good attitude toward yourself and others. Express yourself with honesty and confidence to gain people’s respect.

#3. Kind

If you want to be treated respectfully, you need to show people the same respect you want to receive even on your bad days. So, remember to show kindness and love towards people to gain respect and develop good social relationships.

In addition, being kind to people will increase serotonin and the love hormone oxytocin that lowers blood pressure, and improves happiness and overall health.

#4. Listen carefully

Listening carefully to the other person is a form of showing the most profound respect which is going to build strong bond relationships. Additionally, effective listening makes the speaker feel important and respected and contributes to avoiding misunderstandings and disputes as well.

#5. Keep promises

Fulfilling promises is a good quality that a person should have because it’s going to make the person well appreciated and trustful among individuals and increases credibility, especially between family members and the workplace.

#6. Be confident

“Our doubts are traitors and cause us to miss the good we oft might win, by fearing to attempt.”— William Shakespeare, Measure for Measure

Self-confidence is an important characteristic that allows the person to know his abilities, competencies, and importance within society. Being confident also means loving and appreciating one’s self.

#7. Admit your mistakes

Admitting and confronting your mistakes isn’t shameful; mistakes can teach you life lessons and how to be confident and resilient to succeed. Learn not to blame yourself and embrace your mistakes with open arms.

#8. Be humble

Treat people the same way you want to be treated and don’t think that you’re way better than others because people are all equal even if they’re poor, rich, educated, or uneducated. Social status has never been a scale to humanity and humbleness

Abu Sa’id al-Khudri reported: The Messenger of Allah, peace, and blessings be upon him, said, “Whoever humbles himself by a degree for Allah, glory be to Him, Allah will raise him by a degree. Whoever is arrogant to Allah by a degree, Allah will lower him by a degree until he is made ‘the lowest of the low.’” (95:5)

Source:seekingthepleasureofallah

#9. Open-minded

Another criterion to gain people’s respect is to be an outgoing person who enjoys being with others and accepts their differences, ideas, and opinions. However, being an open-minded person is going to promote your health and make the person feel more comfortable and happy. It also has an advantage in the workplace to perform better and handle difficult situations without fear.

#10. Learn to say “No”

Don’t feel shy and guilty to say “no” if you really don’t want to do something that you don’t have the mood to do or you are just afraid to disappoint the other person. It’s very important to learn how and when you say “No” to others because it’s going to help you value, prioritize, and respect yourself.

#11. Stop over- apologizing

Stop apologizing excessively about the simplest things that don’t require your apology because you’re going to underestimate yourself and make you feel less confident and insecure.

#12. Respect your appointments

Yes! you can’t make people respect you if you don’t respect your appointments and be on time whether for personal or professional obligations. You have to be punctual to show the world that you are worthy of confidence and that you are dependable and willing to work.

#13. Hold your anger

Collins dictionary defines the word anger as follows: Anger is the strong emotion that you feel when you think that someone has behaved in an unfair, cruel, or unacceptable way.

Anger is a natural emotional reaction and it is healthy and necessary for us to express feelings, but anger can lead to negative effects and problems if aggression is used that’s why you should remain calm and control your anger.

#14. Accept change

Embracing change and getting out of your comfort zone is important because it’s going to increase your personal development and teach you life experiences that will open the doors of opportunities and success.