Respect isn’t just the absence of name calling, other negative behaviours or criticism, giving your partner the silent treatment, yelling at them, mocking them, swearing at your partner, shutting them down, dismissing their opinion or feelings, being sarcastic towards them, or denying their feelings.
Respect is respecting your partner’s opinion, feelings, concerns, compromising and negotiating, supporting your partner’s goals, dreams and achievements even if their goals do not align with yours.
Disrespect is lost when one person forces their opinions, decisions and goals onto the other person.
When a person’s opinions are dismissed, that person quickly loses respect for their partner because they don’t feel valued or supported by their partner.
What does more damage is when one person is told by their partner their opinion is irrational because it doesn’t line up with theirs.
Each person is allowed to have their own opinion.
It is important each person is felt heard and validated.
If you would like further support in this area, and would to take away tools to navigate through difficult conversations, click on the link below for a booking today.
