how to earn respect from someone | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Life Stages

Respect Doesn't Come With Age, Respect Is Something You Need To Earn

It should not matter if you are 5 years old or 105.

1068
millennials in class

In life, we go through many teachers and lessons. One of my favorite rules and lessons I was taught was the golden rule: treat everyone how you would want to be treated. I really live by that. Even when people say nasty things or are unkind, I try to never lose respect towards anyone. Especially not in a public place or in front of my parents.

Although recently I got into an argument with a gentleman much older than I am. It sounds bad but I promise I didn't start the argument. The whole fight was over a seat which I was sitting in and had been in since the beginning of the event we were at. The older man had gotten upset over the fact that he could not find a seat since he had arrived at the event late. Anyway, it ended up with both of us yelling at each other back and forth until I gave him a hair flip and ignored him. What got to me was that during the argument he said, "I am older than you, therefore you HAVE to respect me."

That annoyed me because the whole time, I didn't lose respect towards him. Sure I may have yelled a little louder than I should have, but not once did I say a bad word towards him or anything. Meanwhile, he did. I was just annoyed that he basically wanted me to move just because I was younger and in the process wanted me to respect him.

No. That is not how respect works. It should not matter if you are 5 years old or 105. Sometimes it seems like the older people get, the more they automatically assume that everything should just be handed to them because they are older. The rule is if you want respect, you show respect. So I spoke my mind to the elderly gentleman and told him, "Why should I respect you if you are not respecting me?"

I normally don't speak my mind and normally would not have even payed this guy any attention, but it seems like lately young people are on the bottom of every situation and that is just not fair. Just because we are young does not mean we don't deserve respect as well. I believe we have to start standing up more to people like this and speak up when we are no ok with something that is going on. And for everyone else reading this, respect each other if you would like the same respect back.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

A Few Thoughts Every College Freshman Has

The transition into adulthood is never easy

14988
Mays Island
Courtney Jones

Today I started my third week of college at Minnesota State Moorhead. I have survived welcome week, finding my classes on the first day, and being an awkward loner in the dining hall. Even though I have yet to be here for a month, I have already experienced many thoughts and problems that only a new college student can relate to.

Keep Reading...Show less
Students walking on a sunny college campus with trees and buildings.

"Make sure to get involved when you're in college!"

We've all heard some variation of this phrase, whether it came from parents, other family members, friends, RAs, or college-related articles. And, like many clichés, it's true for the most part. Getting involved during your college years can help you make friends, build your resume, and feel connected to your campus. However, these commitments can get stressful if you're dealing with personal issues, need to work, or aren't sure how to balance classes and everything else going on during the semester.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

9 Reasons Why Friends Are Essential In College

College without friends is like peanut butter without jelly.

6501
Bridgaline Liberati and friends
Bridgaline Liberati

In college, one of the essential things to have is friends. Yes, textbooks, a laptop, and other school supplies are important but friends are essential. Friends are that support system everybody needs. The more friends you have the better the support system you have. But you also have someone to share experiences with. And don’t settle for just one or two friends because 8 out of 10 times they are busy and you are studying all alone. Or they have other friend groups that do not include you. Don’t settle for just one or two friends; make as many friends as you can. After the first couple of weeks of college, most friend groups are set and you may be without friends.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

The Power of Dressing Up

Why it pays to leave the hoodie at home.

4804
sneakers and heels
Sister | Brother Style - Word Press

For a moment your world is spinning. The phone alarm has just scared you awake and you’re flooded by daunting thoughts of the day ahead. You have three assignments due and little time to work on them because of your job. You’re running late because you’ve hit snooze one to many times after yesterday’s long hours. You dizzily reach for a hoodie, craving its comfort, and rush for a speedy exit, praying you will have time to pick up coffee. Does this sound familiar?

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

11 Signs You Live At The Library As Told by 'Parks And Recreation'

A few signs that you may live in the library whether you'd like to admit it or not.

4230
brown wooden book shelves with books

Finals week is upon us. It is a magical time of year during which college students everywhere flock to the library in attempt to learn a semester's worth of knowledge in only a week. For some students, it's their first time in the library all semester, maybe ever. Others have slaved away many nights under the fluorescent lights, and are slightly annoyed to find their study space being invaded by amateurs. While these newbies wander aimlessly around the first floor, hopelessly trying to find a table, the OGs of the library are already on the third floor long tables deep into their studies. Here is a few signs that you may live in the library, whether you'd like to admit it or not.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments