Reflection on respect

‘To show respect is to bend to the will of others, to their needs, expectations and desires (to oppose them is a flagrant mark of disrespect and a clear sign of a lack of education and good manners)’. That's what my upbringing told me.

But now here's what my heart tells me, based on life experience:

"Bending to someone else's will is nothing other than submission and is no mark of respect. Just as demanding that others submit to my will, on the pretext that they “owe” me respect, is nothing other than the expression of an unhealthy egocentrism and the manifestation of pride in a constant quest for superiority."

By respecting myself, I honour my own dignity: I take into account AND take charge of my needs and desires.

And because I respect myself, I am able to...

• recognize, respect and enforce my limits - firmly, but without aggression,

• recognize and respect the limits of others.

And finally :

Because I respect other people's limits, I recognize and honour their dignity.

F.