Week of May 25th, 2026

As a little girl, we used to have ‘brown bag’ lunches at school while doing a field trip or other out of school activity. My mother always made an extra brown bag lunch. We were not rich. We didn’t have extra money. But she always made an extra lunch. She would hand it to me, and say, “there may be someone in your class who does not have a brown bag lunch, and your teacher can give this lunch to that student. Thank you. Have a great time.”

It’s been a long while ago, but I do remember that each time my mother sent an extra lunch to school, the lunch was always used.

This was a powerful, quiet lesson in respect. And self-respect. It made me feel better as a person, just to help someone in need.

Today, we live in a word in which, too often, we hear people called names, and some laugh in response. It is shameful. We must not become numb to the fact that treating people disrespectfully, is not okay. Rather, it is wrong on many levels.

Let’s revisit the meaning of respect and how we can be more respectful citizens and human beings. In our world, these folks are Good Humans.

Respect is a feeling of deep admiration or deference toward someone’s abilities or achievements. It also refers to the act of treating others with consideration, politeness, and care—valuing their boundaries and perspectives even when you disagree. 

A word closely related to respect is empathy.

The Three Main Ways We Use Respect

1. Interpersonal Respect (Action): Treating someone with dignity, kindness, and attentiveness. It means acknowledging their equal worth as a human being, listening without judgment, and honoring their personal boundaries.
2. Esteem or Admiration (Feeling): Acknowledging that someone possesses impressive qualities, talents, or achievements. This form of respect is often earned through hard work, honesty, or expertise.
3. Respect for Things or Rules: Valuing concepts, cultures, laws, or objects. Examples include obeying the law, taking care of someone else’s property, or standing during the national anthem.

Ways to be Respectful

• Listen Actively: Give people your undivided attention when they speak. Put away distractions, make eye contact, and focus on understanding their perspective rather than just planning your next response.
• Value Their Time: Show that you respect others by being punctual for meetings, appointments, and casual hangouts. If you happen to run late, communicate promptly.
• Express Genuine Gratitude: Make it a habit to say “please” and “thank you”. Recognizing small contributions or efforts makes people feel appreciated and acknowledged. Avoid prying into private matters or overstepping boundaries if you do not fully understand them.
• Validate Different Viewpoints: You do not always have to agree with everyone, but you can respect their right to their own feelings and beliefs. Listen without interrupting and avoid judgmental language.  If you don’t know something, or don’t understand something, just admit it. People are usually happy to help out.

Examples of Respect in Everyday Actions

• In a relationship: “Showing respect means valuing your partner’s opinions and handling disagreements calmly, without resorting to insults.”
• In the workplace: “An employee might earn the respect of their team by consistently meeting high standards and acting with
  honesty.” “An employee may earn the respect of their boss by arriving to work on time, doing the work or going the extra mile.”
• For boundaries: “Asking for someone’s consent before using their belongings or taking up their time is a fundamental way to show respect.” In driving: letting someone else into the lane. Using your turning signal!
• In the neighborhood: calling to check on a neighbor.
• At the supermarket: offering to let someone go before you; offering to help an elderly person

In life, showing respect may mean that, despite disagreeing with someone, you choose to ‘show grace’ and meet in the middle. ‘Showing grace’ can be a game changer.

As a citizen, you show your respect by choosing to be an active citizen. One of the ways your voice counts is through your vote.

Your vote is your voice. Respect yourself enough to make your voice heard. Vote.

I encourage you to vote in the Dallas County Primary on June 2.