If you struggle to gain respect from people, say goodbye to these 10 behaviors

   

It’s not rocket science, but it does require self-awareness.

Often, people unknowingly carry out actions that stand in their way of earning respect.

The key to flipping the script?

Identify and let go of these behaviors.

In this piece, I’m going to share with you 10 behaviors you should bid farewell to if you’re having a hard time gaining respect. 

1) Being a “yes” person

We all know them – those who never say “no”.

They agree to everything, even when it inconveniences them.

 

It might seem like a good strategy to be liked or respected.

After all, people appreciate a helping hand, right?

Well, not always.

Constantly saying ‘yes’ can sometimes lead others to perceive you as a pushover.

This is because it gives off the impression that you don’t value your own time or commitments.

And if you don’t respect your own time, why should others?

It’s important to understand when to say ‘no’.

This doesn’t mean becoming unhelpful or uncooperative.

It’s about setting healthy boundaries and valuing your own time and energy.

Saying ‘no’ might be tough initially, but with practice, it can help earn the respect of those around you.

 

2) Over-apologizing

I used to be one of those people who apologized for everything, even the smallest things that weren’t my fault.

One day, a friend pointed it out to me, “Why do you always say sorry? It’s like you’re apologizing for existing.”

That was a wake-up call.

Apologizing when it’s due is a sign of maturity, but overdoing it can make you seem insecure or unsure.

It can detract from your credibility and lower people’s respect for you.

I realized my constant apologies were actually an unconscious habit rooted in my desire to avoid conflict.

But all it was doing was undermining my self-respect and the respect others had for me.

Once I became aware of this, I made a conscious effort to only apologize when I had genuinely done something wrong.

It was a tough transition, but it made a world of difference.

So, if you’re in the habit of over-apologizing like I once was, it’s time to reassess.

Apologize when necessary, but don’t let it become an automatic response that diminishes your worth.

3) Not listening to others

There’s an old saying that we have two ears and one mouth for a reason – to listen twice as much as we speak.

However, in our fast-paced world, many of us often forget this wisdom.

Active listening is a critical skill for earning respect.

It shows that you value others’ opinions and are open to learning from them.

On the contrary, when we interrupt, dismiss, or ignore what others say, it sends a clear message that we don’t value their input.

This can quickly erode respect and damage relationships.

To gain respect, strive to improve your listening skills.

Show genuine interest in what others have to say, and you’ll find that they’ll start respecting you more in return.

4) Being overly negative

We all have our off days when things just don’t seem to go right.

But if you’re constantly projecting negativity, it might be hampering the level of respect people have for you.

Negativity can manifest in various forms – constantly complaining, criticizing others, or always expecting the worst.

This behavior can drain the energy of those around you and make them less inclined to engage with you.

Conversely, maintaining a positive outlook even in challenging situations is a sign of resilience and strength.

It’s okay to vent once in a while, but try not to let negativity become your default setting.

5) Lack of punctuality

Time is a valuable asset, and when you’re late, it sends a message to others that you don’t respect their time.

Repeated tardiness can give off the impression of disorganization and lack of consideration.

It’s a behavior that can quickly erode respect, no matter how good your intentions might be.

Being punctual, on the other hand, shows respect for others‘ time and commitments.

It’s a small act that can significantly enhance your reputation and the respect you receive.

So, if you’re in the habit of running late, it might be time to reassess your time management.

Aim for punctuality and show others that their time is just as important as yours.