Show Respect
The Importance of Respect
Respect is something you can experience every day and not even know it! It may not always be easy to see, but respect plays an important role in your life. Take a moment and think about your day. Did you and your opponent bow before a match? Did you ask your teacher before you went to the restroom? While these acts may seem simple and ordinary, they are how others show you they respect you, and in return how you show others you respect them. You may ask yourself, why do we need respect? Maybe your opponent knows you are eager to have a match with them, and maybe you know your teacher will let you go to the restroom. But respect means thinking about other people.
What Does it Say When You Show Respect?
When you respect others, you are showing them you care about them and you know how important they are. For example, bowing before a match shows your opponent you are happy to have a match with them and you are taking the match seriously. Similarly, your teacher works hard to educate you, and you appreciate them and their class. Asking them before you go to the restroom shows them you are paying attention, and you want to make sure it’s ok to leave the lesson for a bit.
Why Do You Need Respect?
If you don’t show respect to others, people may not know what you value. This can make people feel unhappy, but it can also make it hard for them to understand how you feel. If your opponent doesn’t acknowledge you, it may make you upset and you may feel like they don’t value you. Your opponent may feel the same way. If you leave your class without asking, you may get in trouble and your teacher may think you don’t value the lesson. The most important thing to know about respect is that it shows others what you value.
How Can You Show Respect to Others?
Take a moment to think about the things you value and how you can let others know how you feel. Do you value what your teammates have to say? You can let them finish talking before you talk or apologize if you interrupt them. Do you value the personal space of a friend you bumped into? You can apologize to them. Whenever you have a hard time deciding how you can show respect, think about the things you value.
Showing Respect, Even When It’s Hard
Sometimes, it can be difficult showing respect. It may be easy to bow before a match, but it can be difficult to congratulate an opponent after they win. We all know that’s what good sports are supposed to do, but in the moment, you may feel sad or frustrated. In times like these, it’s important to take the time to think about what you value. The reason you bow before a match is the same reason you congratulate your opponent after a match. In both cases, you value your opponent, the match, and the sport. This is why it’s important to show respect, even when it’s hard.
