R-E-S-P-E-C-T: Find out what it means to me

When I was growing up, we were taught to respect our elders. That meant never talking back or arguing with an adult…not parents, not grandparents, not anyone else’s parents or grandparents, or aunts, uncles…basically, children were to be seen and not heard. Now, while I agree with modern-day parents who say children must also be respected and their opinions and views given validation, I still love to hear a respectful child say ‘Yes/no Ma’am/Sir’ and ‘Please/Thank You’; and I believe everyone of any age has an absolute right to have their thoughts and feelings voiced and heard. As long as we’re on the subject of respect, I believe respect must be earned…in general. However, I would not expect anyone to show even a modicum of respect to someone who behaves in a belligerent or unpleasant manner towards others, or who is untruthful or unlawful. But when it comes to seniors, we are often dealing with physical and emotional pain which may make us not so pleasant to be around.

This excerpt comes from the named source. Read the original for the full reporting.