I believe in respect. I think all people deserve to be treated with respect.

Now you would be hard pressed to find someone who would disagree with you on this. However, there are a lot of people around who only pay lip service to the idea. Of course they agree, people deserve respect, but their actions betray the idea.

Today I had the opportunity to speak to my State Representative on the phone. He’s running against the incumbent in the primary for State Senator. This man is highly educated, has been in politics for years, and in many ways is far more intelligent and respected in the world than I am. However, in speaking with him, I never feel patronized, put down or foolish at all. This man treats people with respect. Not with phony political schmoozing, but genuine respect. He makes people feel good about themselves, and truly give you the impression that he is listening to what you have to say. He deserves a great deal of respect himself.

Today I also had a chance to interact with another person as well. She’s someone I’ve been helping out with a new project. The only communication I get from her ever are requests, instructions or criticisms. She talks to me as if to imply I am less intelligent, foolish or inferior. She publicly puts me down, and does not apologize for doing so. She says “it’s just the way she is.” She will sometimes apologize for her mood, but not for hurting people when she was in that mood. This is a person it is much more difficult to respect.

We all have a great deal of control over the way we are, don’t we? Honestly, each and every one of us has the capability of considering our words and actions, what effect they will have on others, and acting in a way that is respectful.

Its very cliché, but it really would be nice if people didn’t speak unless they had something good to say. Or at least didn’t speak until they found good way of saying what needs to be said.