Respect: The Foundation of Marriage & Parenting

Send us Fan MailR. E.S.P.E.C.T-  today’s topic is on Respect.This word carry’s a lot of weight - even more than love. We don’t use it casually- and we don’t lose it accidently.When someone says they have lost respect for another person, something meaningful has already shifted- something foundational.Respect is foundational to all relationships-personal and professional- and the reason is simple:Every relationship requires trust, safety, and recognition, and respect is what creates all three of these.RESPECT is Recognition -it is the ability to see another person as whole- separate from you- not owned by you-not there to manage your emotions- not there to serve your needs- or validate your identity.Respect matters to us humans so deeply because it is tied to our sense of worth, safety, and social belonging.1.it affirms our value2- it creates emotional safety3- respect is important to all of us because is supports connection and cooperation- We humans are social animals. We are wired for connection4-And Respect Nutures SELF RESPECT-respect from others teaches us how to value ourselves. When others treat us with dignity we internalize it- we stand taller, set those boundaries, and demand better treatment.What does respect actually looks like & what does it  feel  like in a marriage- And what does respect look like from a child. Let me start with kids.Kids respect adults who:1-       Set and enforce clear boundaries2- Model honesty and integrity 3- listen actively4-Show calm authorityReal respect from kids grows and is earned when adults model, fairness, consistency, and emotional accountability-which means showing them  how to handle BIG feelings without blaming or hurting others. what does RESPECT  actually look like- and what does it if feel like- in a MarriageI say both Look and feel because they serve different purposes:*Look like- is an Observable behavior (what others can see* Feel like- this is an internal experience- emotional safety- you feel tension and calm-Respect that only looks right can still be wrong. Respect that feels right, but isn’t supported by behavior doesn’t last.Respect in a Marriage LOOKS like:·   Listening without interrupting or correcting ·   Speaking about your spouse with dignity, even when they are not present·   Keeping your private struggles private·   Honoring boundaries without punishment- meaning- respecting  your partners limits- WITHOUT reacting with anger, guilt or the silent treatment- they decline a request- you accept it.·   Allowing your partner to be different without trying to manage or change them·   Addressing issues directly with your partner instead of using sarcasm, silence or pulling in a third person to mediate or vent to- this kills respect. In closing- I would like to remind you that respect is truly the key to all relationships-even more than love. And if you feel yourself losing respect for someone you love, that isn’t a failure-it’s a signal. A signal to communicate honestly, to slow down, to do the work together  and to give one another the opportunity to earn it back. Love can survive a lot of things , but when it comes to respect in order to survive it has to be protected.Enjoy!JoanneThe Aging Mask- A Lifestyle Medicine Podcast949) 236-1529Follow along on Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/theagingmask