RESPECT... The One Thing That Keeps Two People Together Forever..
If we are to mention some essential qualities of life long relationships, we can go on and on with adjectives like trust, fun, love, mutual understanding, helping each other etc. While every single word from the list plays its own crucial role in the making of a happy marriage, one thing that often goes unnoticed but plays probably the most important role is Respect!
I put a lot of emphasis on mutual respect. Like understanding, commitment and trust, it is also a two way thing. The more you give, the more you get.
Everyone loves to be respected. We all want others to admire us for what we are. While some work for it hard, some take it for granted. But whatever the case maybe, the fact is simple - we all want others to recognise our efforts, appreciate us and respect us.
Maslow's theory is a proof of it. He proved that on the top of his 'pyramid of needs', lies self recognition. Here is the question - when it is so important to all of us as an individual, why don't we work on it in our marriage? The answer is - we get so entwined with our egos, self image and self portrayal that we forget aboutq giving. And respect begins with giving.
I remember a friend of mine told me that at the time of her marriage, when she was introduced to her husband, his job and his accomplishments, she switched off for a while because she thought he wouldn't love and respect her. She said she wanted a man who would give her due respect, love and admiration without looking down on her. But when she got closer to him and learnt more about him, she realised that he is someone who does things for others without asking for anything in return. She said that he believes in 'mutual respect and love' and that made her fall in love with him.
Mutual respect should be the core base of any relationship. My closest and life long friends are those who have always given me respect no matter the circumstance. They are the ones who have never insulted me, not even for a moment, even in a joke. So I can proudly say it is the respect that has kept us together and will always keep us together.
Like I said before it is not that you deserve it so the other has to give it but the fact that you cherish the relationship and wouldn't want to jeopardize it for anything. Things as precious as this do not come for free. You have to offer it first, then the other gives it to you in multitudes.
Be very cautious of what you say, especially to your loved ones. Because just like their praise becomes your most cherished compliments, any insult from them could be the most damaging as well.
From now on, start respecting others and they would respect you right back..... One Love... God Bless.
Wow! Jes like u, dz piece also made me come 2 d realization dt my closest besties, and lifelong partners, are dos who hv always respected me no matter d circumstance.
ReplyDelete#what a relisation!
Respect is reciprocal dy say. One thing I've realised over d years is if u respect some1, u would be respected in return even if it's not by dt same person. So it's good 2 respect pple so u can be respected.
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