What is respect for others?
A difficult concept to describe.. It's something I feel out instinctively, more than define in my mind. It is basically the consideration of others in such a way as to not promote ill-will, dishonor, or unjust actions and behavior. (This is as best as I can define it for me.)
What does it mean to be respectful?
For me, it means to live my life in a way where my thoughts, words, and actions represent me in the eyes of others. I have respect for myself, and the people around me, and it is a heavy and necessary weight to carry.
How does one show respect?
The easiest way to show respect, for me, is to think respectfully. Our thoughts are what translates into words and/or actions, so I try to think in respectful tones. There are simple things.. common and known courtesies in society (like not cussing in front of children, throwing your trash away, or not vandalizing people's properties, etc..), respect of common agreements (following the law, driving safely, etc.), mirroring the respect you show yourself to others as well (if you do not allow people to talk smack about your momma, you don't say anything about other people's mommas.. etc..), and honoring the people around you (showing respect to your elders, helping those in need, respecting children's rights as the future generations, etc.) are all ways to show respect for me.
Why should one be respectful?
Because so long as we are going to live as a society and as social creatures, respect is what will keep us from tearing ourselves to pieces. It is difficult to harm people you respect for. It is hard to harm ourselves when we respect ourselves. It is impossible to live in a society that is not peaceful and, overall, safe when people respect the common laws and rules established.
Can you show respect to someone you dislike or feel disdain for? How is this done without inducing internal conflict or external conflict?
Absolutely. I've worked with people I cannot stand my whole adult life, but respect is different from liking someone or something. You can not agree with a law (like not wearing your seatbelt) but still respect the law by wearing it anyways regardless of personal opinion. I can hate my boss because of personal matters, but respect that they know how to do their job and that they allow me to do mine despite our differences. I can dislike a decision my family or friends make, but still respect them and have them in my lives as friends. It is a major bridging mechanism for society, and one I feel is not stressed enough.
How does being respected by others relate to self-esteem? What happens if one is not respected by others?
I could see self-esteem taking a blow if others do not respect you.. but truthfully, someone respectful should have themselves included in that umbrella. Even if I am not recognized for my work, or if someone dislikes me because they only got half of the story of a situation and judge me based on that, I do not feel less worthy of respect nor do I feel down on myself as a result. My respect gives me confidence and a sense of inner stability.
Does being respected by others (subconsciously) obligate one to respect others in turn?
I think so. I think there is a motivation there to respect those being respectful to you. There's usually a drive to want to be social to at least some extent, and respect comes hand-in-hand with society. You can make a friend, but you won't stay friends without respect.
What are the feelings/thoughts evoked when one is not respected by others?
I usually feel that they don't have much respect overall, to include respect for themselves, and I tend to not want to associate myself with those sort of people. Sometimes, especially when they are younger, I simply forget it and drive on, and forgive the situation entirely because they haven't had the time and experience I have had in life to figure things out. I wasn't nearly as respectful as I am today when I was a kid.. I was very apathetic to others, and my own, needs.