"Je me respecte et j'insiste là-dessus de tout le monde Et parce que je le fais je respecte tout le monde aussi"

Respect starts with the way you treat yourself. If you demand respect from others, you’ve got to respect yourself first. It’s like a personal code. When you hold yourself in high regard, it sets a standard. Others see that and follow suit. It’s a two-way street, right? When you give respect, you’re more likely to get it back.

Think about it. If you’re at work and you always show up on time, prepared, and put in your best effort, people notice. They start treating you with that same level of respect. But if you’re constantly showing up late and doing a half-hearted job, respect’s going to be hard to come by. It’s like the golden rule of respect – you get what you give.

Now, let’s rewind a bit to the 1950s. This was an era where the fight for civil rights and equality was gaining momentum. Leaders like Martin Luther King Jr. were advocating for dignity and respect. They not only demanded it from society but also demonstrated it in their actions. They were the embodiment of self-respect and mutual respect. Their stance was clear – respect me, and I’ll respect you. This was a powerful message during a time when many people were denied basic human respect.

Let’s get practical. Consider a situation with a friend who’s always a bit dismissive. They make plans but don’t show up, or they’re always on their phone when you’re talking. If you respect yourself, you wouldn’t tolerate that behavior. You’d address it. Maybe you’d talk to them about it or spend less time with them. By doing this, you’re setting a boundary. And they’ll either start respecting your time, or they won’t – in which case, you’re better off without that negativity.

So, how do you apply this in your life? Start by valuing yourself. Don’t let others walk all over you. If you feel like you’re not being respected, speak up. It’s not about being confrontational – it’s about being assertive. You deserve to be treated well. And when you treat others with respect, it’s likely to come back around.

Imagine this: You’re in a team meeting. You’ve got something important to say, but you’re nervous. You decide to speak up anyway. You present your ideas clearly and confidently. Your colleagues listen. They might not agree with everything, but they respect your input. Why? Because you respected yourself enough to share your thoughts. And, by doing so, you’ve respected the team by contributing to the discussion.

Respect is a cycle. It starts with you and how you treat yourself. When you insist on respect – for yourself and from others – you create an environment where respect flourishes. You become someone others can look up to and trust. It’s not always easy, but it’s worth it.

So, next time you feel disrespected, take a step back. Think about how you’re treating yourself. Are you setting the standard for others to follow? If not, it might be time to make some changes. Respect yourself first, and the rest will follow.