If you’re looking to earn more respect, it’s time to look within.

Sometimes, our habits can undermine our worth without us even realizing it. If you’re feeling overlooked or undervalued, you might be surprised to learn that some of your daily routines could be the culprits.

Saying goodbye to those habits isn’t just about changing the way you act, though. It’s about embracing your own value and showing others that you deserve their respect.

In this article, we’ll explore nine habits you may need to kick to the curb if you want others to recognize your worth.

Let’s dive in.

1) Constant self-deprecating humor

We all love a good laugh. And sometimes, making fun of ourselves can feel like a harmless way to keep things light. But if you’re always the butt of your own jokes, it can send the wrong message.

Self-deprecating humor, in moderation, can be endearing. But when it’s overused, it can start to give others the impression that you don’t take yourself seriously.

If you’re always joking about your shortcomings or mistakes, people might start to believe that those jokes are how you truly see yourself. And if you don’t respect yourself, how can you expect others to?

If you want to earn the respect of those around you, be mindful of how often you’re poking fun at yourself. It’s okay to laugh at your mistakes – but don’t forget to also highlight your achievements and strengths. Showing others that you value yourself is the first step to earning their respect.

2) Apologizing for everything

I remember a time when ‘sorry’ was my most used word. I’d apologize for things that weren’t my fault, or even for simply expressing my feelings. What I didn’t realize was that this constant apologizing was undermining the respect people had for me.

Constantly saying ‘sorry’ can give the impression that you’re always in the wrong, or that you believe your thoughts and feelings are less important than those of others. This can lead people to undervalue your input, or worse, take advantage of you.

I had to learn to stand my ground and only apologize when it was truly warranted. By doing so, I showed others that I valued my own feelings and opinions, leading to an increase in the respect and consideration I received.

Self-reflection and honesty were key here, too. It wasn’t easy to break the habit, but doing so made a significant difference in the way people perceived and respected me.

3) Failing to make eye contact

Eye contact is perhaps one of the most powerful non-verbal cues we have at our disposal. And yet, so many of us neglect to use it properly.

When we maintain eye contact during a conversation, it shows the other person that we’re actively listening and engaged in what they’re saying. It’s a sign of respect in itself.

A study published in the journal “Environment and Behavior” found that maintaining eye contact during a conversation led to higher ratings of perceived intelligence for the speaker. Furthermore, avoiding eye contact can make you appear less confident or even dishonest.

If you want to command respect, don’t shy away from maintaining eye contact. It’s a simple habit to cultivate, but it can have a significant impact on how others perceive and respect you.

4) Over-promising and under-delivering

It can be easy to fall into the trap of promising more than we can deliver. After all, we all want to impress, to show that we’re capable and reliable. But when we fail to follow through on our promises, it can have the opposite effect.

Over-promising and under-delivering can damage your reputation. It sends the message that your word can’t be trusted. And trust is a cornerstone of respect.

If you want people to respect you, make sure that you only commit to what you can realistically accomplish. And when you do commit, do everything in your power to follow through.

It’s better to surprise others by doing more than expected, instead of disappointing them by doing less. This simple shift in habit can significantly boost the respect people have for you.

5) Neglecting self-care

How you treat yourself often sets the standard for how others treat you. If you’re constantly neglecting your own needs for the sake of others, it might signal that you don’t value your own well-being.

Self-care isn’t just about bubble baths and face masks. It’s about taking time for yourself, setting boundaries, and ensuring your physical and mental health are taken care of.

When you prioritize self-care, it shows others that you respect yourself. It sends a clear message that your time, health, and happiness are important.

If you want to earn more respect, start by respecting yourself. Take care of your needs, set healthy boundaries, and show others that you value your well-being.

6) Putting others down to lift yourself up

We’ve all come across those who belittle others in a misguided attempt to seem superior. Not only is this habit hurtful, it’s also counterproductive when it comes to earning respect.

No one truly respects those who step on others to lift themselves up. Such behavior only reveals insecurity and a lack of genuine self-esteem.

True respect comes from being kind, understanding, and supportive. It’s about lifting others up with you, not climbing over them on your way to the top.

When you treat others with kindness and respect, you’re showing the world the kind of person you are. And that’s the kind of person who earns genuine respect in return. So let’s strive to be kinder, more supportive, and more compassionate – not just for the sake of earning respect, but because it’s the right thing to do.

7) Avoiding difficult conversations

There was a time when I would do anything to avoid conflict. The mere thought of a difficult conversation would make my stomach churn. But avoiding these conversations didn’t earn me respect; instead, it made me seem evasive and non-confrontational.

Difficult conversations are a part of life, and avoiding them can lead to misunderstandings and unresolved issues. Not addressing problems directly also implies that you might not have the confidence or willingness to face challenges head-on.

When I started facing difficult conversations instead of avoiding them, I noticed a shift. People began to see me as someone who wasn’t afraid to tackle problems, someone who valued resolution over comfort. It certainly wasn’t easy, but it played a significant role in earning the respect of those around me.

Don’t shy away from difficult conversations. Face them head-on, with respect and honesty. It’s not always comfortable, but it’s a habit that commands respect.

8) Being too agreeable

While it’s important to be respectful and considerate of others’ opinions, being too agreeable can actually harm your chances of earning respect.

Agreeing with everything that’s said, even when you have a different perspective, can make you come across as a pushover. It can also make others question whether you have opinions of your own.

It’s okay to disagree. In fact, respectful disagreements can lead to more productive conversations and better solutions. What’s important is how you express your disagreement.

Instead of simply going along with what everyone else is saying, don’t be afraid to voice your thoughts and stand up for what you believe in. Just remember to do it in a respectful and constructive manner.

Being confident and assertive in your beliefs shows others that you respect yourself and your opinions, which can in turn earn their respect.

9) Not giving respect to others

At the end of the day, respect is a two-way street. If you want people to show you the respect you deserve, you must also be willing to extend that same respect to them.

Respecting others means listening to their ideas, acknowledging their feelings, and treating them with kindness and consideration. It’s about showing empathy and understanding, even when you disagree.

By doing so, we not only enrich our own lives with diverse perspectives and meaningful connections but also pave the way for others to respect us in return. After all, how we treat others is often a reflection of how we expect to be treated ourselves. So if you truly want to earn the respect of those around you, start by showing them the respect they deserve.