I am a firm believer that people act the way they do for specific reasons. Each one of us has gone through something different and has walked a different path. Because of the extremely different backgrounds, experiences, family lives, and financial situations people can have, it is very important that we watch what we say and do around others. Respect is one of the most basic, crucial principals people must possess to maintain good standings with those around them. So next time you go to tease, make fun of, or criticize someone else: reflect. Ask yourself how well you know them, think about why they may be acting a certain way, and decide whether or not they can change what you are about to judge. Always remember, think before you speak and be kind as often as possible.

1. Someone's Laugh or Their Smile

When someone is laughing all they can think about in that moment is something that is making them truly happy. To make fun of the way someone laughs can turn a joyful time in their life to a time of insecurity and self-consciousness. They could be having the time of their life and then all of a sudden it can come crashing down around them and this can stick with someone. It's not just the first time they are made fun of but time and time again that they may remember someone's harsh words. This goes hand in hand with someone's smile. Let them be and let them be happy.

2. Someone’s Appearance

Chances are people notice their own insecurities more than anyone else will and it is for that reason that you should never make fun of someone's appearance. We were all born with a face and most of the time we will not be able to change or alter that face. So accept that he may have a little bit of a bigger nose than you and that she may have a slightly crooked smile and cultivate self love in everyone you meet. Allow everyone to appreciate their own differences because life wasn't made to be cookie cutter.

3. Someone's Love Interest

My mom always says, “There's an ass for every chair.” Which, if you don't speak in metaphors, means that there is someone out there for everyone. You may be single and ready to mingle, you could be pining over that one special person, or you can be with the one that you love. If you are lucky enough to call the one you want yours, I congratulate you. If you feel like you will be forever alone I am here to remind you that sometimes it takes time to find someone worthy of your presence. No matter where you are in your love life, never make fun of the one someone wants to be with. You may not see why they are attracted to them, or you may think that they can do better, but if that person will help them grow, then you should have nothing negative to say.

4. Someone's Hobbies

Basketball, knitting, making music, hiking, drawing; whatever it may be, everyone has something that they are passionate about doing. Once you find what lights a fire in your heart, never let it go. Have many hobbies and continue the journey of life while always staying open minded to trying new things. You never know how much fun you can have doing something until you try!

5. Someone's Fears or Anxieties

Each of us have had hidden struggles or battled things that we have kept secret from the world. Never judge what someone else is afraid of because you have no idea why they are frightened by something that doesn't seem like a big deal to you. Think before you tease someone for being afraid that you text while you drive; they could have lost someone to a car accident. Breathe before you get annoyed at your friend who freaks out when you don't answer their texts. What if that's what happened when their brother was hospitalized from a near death experience? Decide before you make fun of someone for being afraid to ask them if there's anything you can do to help, rather than scrutinize them.

6. Someone’s Favorite Books, Movies, Or Songs

Everyone has ‘em and it's not common that you find someone with all the same likes and dislikes as you. It's as simple as respecting that not everyone is moved by the same words on a page, scenes of a movie, or beat of a song.

7. Someone’s Performance

Imagine trying your very hardest and still feeling like it's not good enough. If you have never felt like that, I am proud of you, but there are a lot of times where this feeling is all too common. People are constantly being put down by those around them, whether that be their parents, peer, teachers, or themselves. Be the person who lifts them up. Be that person for as many people as you can because the favor will be returned to you. Create a cycle of giving.

8. Someone's Choices

All in all, if someone's choices aren't affecting anyone badly or hurting anyone it's not your place to make fun of them. Think before you call someone lame for not drinking, smoking, or going out. Let that girl from English freak out over her favorite “emo music” artist’s song being released. Leave alone your friend who gets upset about her grades even though they seem fine to you. Whatever it is, no body is perfect and everyone is different and that is something that we should appreciate.