Respect is something we all value and strive to show toward others. However, even with the best intentions, it’s possible to unintentionally make others feel disrespected. To help you navigate these situations more mindfully, this article offers a list of common behaviors that might be perceived as disrespectful, even if that’s not your intent.
Being Late
Most of us have been late at some point in our lives, so it’s nothing to feel overly ashamed about. However, as pointed out by the Brussels Times, regularly showing up late to social or professional events can make others feel as though you don’t value them or their time.
Not Saying “Please” or “Thank You”
Using polite phrases such as “please” and “thank you” may seem basic, but that doesn’t mean it’s not important. If you fail to use these phrases in the right contexts, you may come across as demanding or like you’re taking their kind gestures for granted.
Talking Over People
In some social situations, it can be difficult for everyone to get their voice heard. However, talking over others is not a good solution to this, as it’s sure to make others feel unheard and undervalued in the conversation. On the other hand, asking others for their opinion and apologizing if you accidentally speak over them will make them feel heard and respected.
Not Offering Apologies When Needed
Speaking of apologizing, failing to offer people genuine apologies in the right situations can also make them feel hurt and disrespected. Even when you make a small mistake, it’s important to show accountability and regret by offering an apology.
Giving Unsolicited Advice
We all need a little help and advice sometimes, but that doesn’t mean you should offer your unsolicited opinion at every given opportunity. This can make people feel like you don’t respect them or their ability to make good decisions on their own. According to PsychCentral, it can also come across as disrespectful, presumptuous, and as though you think you are superior to others.
Using Sarcasm Inappropriately
Lots of people love sarcasm and sarcastic humor, especially us Brits. However, in the wrong situations, it can come across as hurtful and disrespectful. Before using sarcasm, it’s important to ensure the other person likes sarcastic humor and that you know they will not be offended by your comments.
Not Following Through on Promises
Frequently overpromising and underdelivering is a surefire way to make people feel like they cannot trust you and that you do not respect them and their needs. It is also likely to make them feel like they are not a priority to you.
Criticizing Publicly
Constructive criticism can be very beneficial in the right context. But criticizing someone publicly when they have not asked for it is never a good idea. It can easily make them feel belittled, embarrassed, and disrespected by you.
Not Valuing Others’ Time
Sometimes, we have valid reasons for canceling plans or showing up late. However, over time, failing to adhere to these commitments can make others feel disrespected and like you don’t value their time. If you do need to cancel on someone, make sure to properly apologize and explain your reasoning.
Making Decisions Without Consultation
When your decision is going to impact others, it’s crucial to make sure you have received their input before going ahead with it. If you don’t ask for their opinion, they are likely to feel disregarded and disrespected. This can be especially detrimental when the decision you made will negatively impact them.
Neglecting Privacy and Confidentiality
Neglecting someone’s privacy or confidentiality will naturally signal to them that you don’t respect or care about them and their feelings. This can be hugely damaging to your relationship with them, causing them to lose trust and respect for you in the process.
Interrupting During Conversations
It’s normal to accidentally interrupt people sometimes, and your friends won’t always see it as a signal of your lack of respect for them. However, over time, this habit can make people feel like you’re not interested in them and what they have to say.
Forgetting Names
Many of us lead busy lives involving many different people, so it’s understandably difficult to remember everyone’s names sometimes. However, failing to recall someone’s name can easily make them feel as though they’re not important enough for you to remember.
Failing to Listen Actively
Active listening means giving the other person signs that you’re engaged with the conversation, including making eye contact, nodding, or giving responses that show you’re listening. As noted by VeryWell Mind, this ensures they feel heard and respected. If you’re not making any of these gestures, people may get the impression that you don’t respect them or aren’t interested in what they’re saying.
Making Assumptions About Others
Nobody likes to be stereotyped or put into a box. If you have a habit of jumping to conclusions about other people or their thoughts, feelings, or motives, you may be unintentionally causing them to feel like you don’t respect or understand them.
Not Respecting Personal Space
Taking other people’s boundaries seriously is incredibly important for fostering a sense of mutual respect. Most people don’t appreciate it when you stand too close to them, touch them without asking, or invade their space in other ways. This can make them feel uncomfortable and give off the sense that you don’t respect their personal space.
Misusing or Ignoring Titles and Pronouns
In certain professional settings, it’s important to properly address those around you with titles such as Dr., Mr., or Mrs. to show them that you respect them and their authority. It’s also very important to address people with the correct gendered pronouns.
Using Your Phone in Social Settings
In the technological landscape of modern life, it’s becoming increasingly difficult to put our screens away. While you may often be tempted to check your phone in social settings, it’s usually best to avoid doing so as much as possible. It can make people feel as though you’re not paying attention to them and don’t value their company.
Not Acknowledging Others’ Presence
It’s important to make everyone feel welcome and acknowledged during social events or interactions. Failing to greet people when they enter a conversation or walk into a room can make them feel unseen, unheard, and disrespected.