About RESPECT...

Respect seems to be intentionally missing nowadays. In our daily lives, we would have probably witnessed many instances of disrespect for others amongst the adults and numerous instances of children's disrespecting their parents, exhibited either through verbal or physical assaults.

One of the most important things we should learn is respect. Respect is usually accorded by virtue of authority, seniority or civility. For example, we respect the Prime Minsiter or the School Principal because of their authority, we respect our parents or superiors because of their seniority (because they are more senior in the family tree or organisational chart) and we respect our peers and friends out of civility.

Some people say that respect must be earned. But, I feel that respect by virtue of authority and seniority just have to be accorded because the person is already given the authority or seniority by virtue by his position, whereas respect out of civility is the one type of respect that needs to be earned. That is usually the case among peers, friends or other members of the society. Until and unless the children understand the above differences, they may not know that they have to respect their parents no matter what.

Respect is an attitude. Being respectful helps a person succeed in building excellent interpersonal relationships in life, which are fundamental to success in life.