RESPECT

I fear that respect is being lost in society today. Kids don't respect their parents, students don't respect their teachers, people don't respect authority and people don't respect each other.

After the death of my wife in 2019 I started writing a journal of my feelings which eventually turned into a book, “Balloon in a Box-Coping with Grief”. While writing this book I discovered I have a lot of ideas, thoughts and opinions floating around in my brain, most of which are not enough to publish as a book but I felt the need to express them. Because of the book I have this website and since I have the website what better place to express things then with a blog on the site. Maybe in writing these blogs I can develop another book. So here goes...

I would like to start this series of blogs with the following quote:

“Look, you didn't ask me for my opinion, but I'm old, so I'm giving it anyway.” — Sophia (Estelle Getty) The Golden Girls

That's me “old” with a lot of things to say. You don't need to agree with me or even read what I write but I am writing these blogs for me. If you enjoy or gain something from them I am pleased but either way I will continue to write them. If you would like to comment you can by emailing me at thomaslrose@comcast.com

Topic for Today: Respect

I fear that respect is being lost in society today. Kids don't respect their parents, students don't respect their teachers, people don't respect authority and people don't respect each other.

Respect means treating everyone with simple courtesy. Respect and courtesy go hand and hand, without one you do not have the other. The golden rule is to “treat others the way you would like to be treated”. Respect goes both ways, if you want to get it, you’ve got to give it. It means that you accept somebody for who they are, even when they're different from you or you don't agree with them. I have learned that people will maybe forget what you said but will not forget how you made them feel. Respect builds trust and trust builds solid relationships.

We do not earn respect. It is given as a gift. What we do with it is up to us.- Todd Whitaker

Ask yourself, do I always treat others with respect?

If someone is speaking, do I give them the courtesy of listening?

Am I thoughtful about others’ feelings?

Do I always acknowledge others and say thank you?

Do I address mistakes made by others with honesty and kindness?

Do I make decisions based on what I believe is right, not who I may like?

Am I willing to “live and let live”?