Chapter 1: The Importance of Respect

Have you ever wondered why we continue to engage with individuals who show us no respect? Why do we choose to maintain friendships or participate in communities where we feel undervalued?

You were brought into this world for a reason—not to be disregarded by those who profess to care for you. If someone watches you struggle without offering assistance, it's clear they don’t genuinely care.

Consider this: Do they express love for you yet fail to support your aspirations, goals, or business efforts? Are they genuinely engaged with your work on social media, providing likes, shares, or comments? When you try to connect, do they ignore you or assign you menial tasks while prioritizing their closest friends? Aren’t friends supposed to support one another?

The jokes they make at your expense often hide deeper disrespect. When you aren't around, what do they say about you? Do they include you in their plans or make it easy for you to join in on activities? When was the last time you were invited to a gathering, or when did they accept your invitation?

Some argue that "respect must be earned." However, respect is a fundamental human right that everyone deserves. It’s not contingent on past actions but rather on our shared humanity. The golden rule—treat others how you wish to be treated—applies here.

Every day, we hear about tragic cases of suicide, and we often respond with shock, wondering why the person didn’t reach out for help. In reality, they were reaching out daily. They sought connection, yet you chose to treat them poorly. Why wait until it’s too late to show someone kindness?

It’s time to stop expecting respect from those who are incapable of offering it.

Stop associating with individuals who don’t value you as a friend. Disengage from communities that profess love but fail to demonstrate it through actions. Do they celebrate your successes? Do they assist you in times of need? Or do they contribute to your struggles?

We need to foster a culture of kindness rather than one of hardship. You can start by distancing yourself from negativity and seeking out those who appreciate you for who you are. Surround yourself with people who want to see you thrive.

Take the initiative to pray or reflect on this, and you may just discover the supportive relationships you’ve been yearning for.

Chapter 2: Expect Respect

The first video titled "Expect Respect" emphasizes the significance of surrounding ourselves with individuals who truly value us. It delves into the impact of positive relationships on our mental well-being.

The second video, also titled "Expect Respect," further explores the theme of self-worth and the necessity of nurturing healthy connections in our lives.

Bio: Chris Bunton is a writer, poet, and blogger based in Southern Illinois. He has contributed to various magazines and authored poetry and addiction recovery eBooks. His latest publication, "The Future is Coming," is a collection of dystopian short stories.

Photos by the author.