Disrespect and How it Can Ruin Lives

Disrespect, according to the Encarta Dictionary, means to show lack of respect for someone or something. It is normal in human nature to show disrespect to someone or something, even when they don't mean to. A lot of good friendships are ruined by one act of disrespect. Sometimes it can be hard to be nice to everyone, but you should at least try. Showing respect for everyone you meet, and even those you don't can get you ahead in life. Not only does it make those around you respect you, but it can also make you feel better about yourself. It can be hard to respect others when you don't respect yourself, however.

Respecting yourself is always the first key to making you a better person. It will help you to be able to respect others easier. When you don't respect yourself, how can you truly show respect for others.

I have learned from many experiences that one little act of disrespect towards a friend can make them unable to tolerate who you are. It can really hurt someone, emotionally. You should know your friends likes and dislikes. You should also know things that make them feel uncomfortable about themselves. If you know someone is uncomfortable about one of their traits, you should not ever judge them for it. You should also never run off and make comments to other people about it. Doing this can make them even more self conscious about this trait, and can really make them feel bad about themselves. It can make them feel like they are a joke. For example, if you didn't like the way you laugh and your friend goes out and says "oh he/she thinks she sounds like a duck when they laugh" how would you feel? It would hurt because now you are thinking, "well everyone thinks I sound like a duck." It makes you not want to laugh anymore, and that can actually ruin your personality. Nobody wants to be around someone who is unhappy all the time. When you disrespect someone it can make them a very unhappy person.

Disrespect is a big cause of ruined relationships and friendships. People do not want to be around people who are not willing to show respect for them. Being made fun of and being hurt by someone you care about is a pain that can be unbearable. When you are disrespected it can make you feel unworthy, unaccomplished, and even unwanted. It can, when bad enough stop someone from accomplishing their goals. People who don't receive respect can actually start to believe what others say about them. Disrespecting someone especially a friend or loved one can trigger a negative chain of events. It starts out with one comment, which hurts one person, which makes them lose respect for themselves, which makes them lose their respect for whoever said the comment, which makes them lose respect for all others, which makes a friendship or relationship end.

Disrespect is one thing that can ruin anyone's day, and sometimes even their whole perspective on life. Remember to respect yourself, and always respect others. I know all to well how quickly you can lose those that are important to you from making the mistake of not showing them the respect that they deserve.