I was reading an article about respect and disrespect to seniors/elders/parents and it brought back some memories, and reminded me of the song by that name by Aretha Franklin.
The dictionary reads: Disrespect: lack of respect or courtesy; when you disrespect people, you think very little of them.
The Urban Dictionary's definition of disrespect is: the act of putting someone down, trying to make them feel low, treating someone in a horrible manner, showing a person that they mean less than nothing to you, a hurtful act that is both rude and ignorant towards another persons feelings. Making someone feel sad or low.
Respecting your mother doesn't mean that you think she is all good, but a redeeming feature is what she has done for you. Respect does not mean accepting her failings or excusing her misdeeds. It means that if your mother needs help, you should be there for her. When she speaks, you need not agree, but you must listen respectfully. You have to treat her as a mother. Failing that, your self-respect has shaky foundations. Respect for a parent is the base of self-respect.
Cuba Gooding, Jr. said, “Don't let people disrespect you. My mom says don't open the door to the devil.”
Angie Stone said, “I would never disrespect any man, woman or child. We're all the same. What goes around comes around, and karma kicks us all in the butt in at end of the day.”
Will Smith said, “Throughout life people will make you mad, disrespect you and treat you bad. Let God deal with the things they do, because hate in your heart will consume you too.”
Cathy Hughes said, “How dare he be disrespectful to an elder. I can't tell you how disappointed I am. But false pride goes before the fall, so I'm certain that God will cause him to have to answer for the unkindness.”
The article stated:
WAYS TO BE RESPECTFUL TO PARENTS:
Be loving.
Be affectionate and give them hugs and kisses (they still love it!).
Apologize if you've argued with them; remember that they have feelings, too.
Thank them for helping to make you the person you've become.
Give them gifts on their birthdays and important holidays.
Everyday, take the opportunity to tell your parents you love them.
Visit them often. Especially if you live near them. You’ll be grateful for the time you spent with them when they're gone, and you’ll regret the lost opportunity if you don’t visit them.
Talk to them regularly. Your parents can be the best friends you’ll ever have. They have rich lives and their years of stories are invaluable treasures.
Be helpful and assume responsibility.
Do extra chores when you can.
Be aware of their income and help when and where you can.
Be mindful of all that your parents do for you.
Notice how busy they are, the amount of time they dedicate to you, and the joy they express when spending time with you.
Put yourself in their shoes. If you were your mom or your dad, how would you like to be treated? How would it feel to manage the many responsibilities they have? What decisions would you make if you were in your parents’ position?
It’s easy to take your parents for granted. We forget the sacrifices and effort they’ve made for us. Respect is foundational to love, and one of the best ways to show your parents that you love them is to treat them with respect. Small habits that you can incorporate into your daily routine, and a loving and positive attitude will make them feel loved and respected, and proud to have you as their child.
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