Respect isn’t something you can buy or bargain for. It’s earned through consistent, honorable actions and attitudes.

To be respected is more than just being liked. It’s about being admired for your character and ethics. It’s about being the kind of man that others look up to.

Sadly, many men unknowingly engage in behaviors that damage their reputation and decrease their respectability.

In this article, we’ll highlight the 9 behaviors that you need to let go of if you want to be a truly respected man. So, ready to transform yourself? Let’s dive right in.

1) Being disrespectful

If there’s one thing that will quickly erode respect, it’s being disrespectful to others.

Ironically, people who try to command respect often fall into this trap. They believe that by putting others down or acting superior, they’ll assert their dominance and gain respect.

However, the opposite is true. Genuine respect is earned by showing respect to others, regardless of their status or position.

Being respectful signifies a level of emotional intelligence and empathy that demands respect in return. It means listening to others, valuing their opinions, and treating them with kindness and consideration.

Remember, everyone deserves respect until they’ve proven otherwise. So if you want to be respected, say goodbye to disrespectful behaviors.

2) Breaking promises

Everyone slips up occasionally and fails to keep a commitment – I’m no exception. But frequent unreliability isn’t a trait of a respected man.

I remember there was a time when I used to over-commit, promising to do more than I could realistically handle. It wasn’t intentional; I genuinely wanted to help others and make them happy. But inevitably, I’d end up letting someone down because I’d overestimated my capacity.

Over time, this pattern started to affect people’s trust in me, and I realized that by breaking promises, I was damaging their respect for me.

From that point on, I made it a focus to only commit to things that I knew for sure I could deliver. It was hard at first, saying no or negotiating timelines. But it was worth it. By consistently honoring my commitments, I noticed a clear shift in how people perceived me.

Long story short – if you want to be respected, you must be reliable. Don’t make promises you can’t keep. It’s better to under-promise and over-deliver than the other way around.

3) Being dishonest

Dishonesty is a huge barrier to respect. It damages trust, fractures relationships, and taints your personal integrity.

Consider this: a study published in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology found that the average person lies at least once or twice per day. So, it’s a common behavior – but that doesn’t make it acceptable or respectful.

Dishonesty can take many forms, from white lies to deception or betrayal. But no matter its form, it erodes respect. Being a man of your word, someone who tells the truth even when it’s difficult or uncomfortable, is a critical step towards gaining real respect.

So if you’re aiming for respectability, it’s time to say goodbye to dishonesty in all its forms.

4) Constant negativity

No one enjoys being around a constant complainer or someone who always sees the glass as half empty. Negativity can be infectious, bringing down the mood and energy of everyone around you.

Being a respected man means being someone who can lift others up, not bring them down. It’s about having a positive outlook on life and encouraging others to do the same.

This doesn’t mean you have to be unrealistically optimistic or ignore problems and challenges. It’s about facing these issues with a problem-solving attitude rather than wallowing in despair.

5) Lack of empathy

Empathy is the ability to understand and share the feelings of others. It’s a trait that’s highly valued and respected in any individual.

However, some men hide their emotions under a guise of toughness or indifference, believing that showing understanding or compassion may make them appear weak. But the reality is, lack of empathy is a surefire way to lose respect.

Being empathetic shows that you’re considerate, understanding, and capable of putting yourself in someone else’s shoes. It shows you’re not self-absorbed and that you genuinely care about the welfare of others.

So, if you want to be a truly respected man, it’s time to say goodbye to lack of empathy and start showing more understanding and compassion to those around you.

6) Unnecessary criticism

It’s easy to point out the flaws in others, isn’t it? But constant criticism, especially when it’s unwarranted or unconstructive, can quickly erode the respect others have for you.

We all have our shortcomings and areas we could improve. Imagine how you would feel if someone constantly pointed out your faults, without any consideration for your feelings or efforts.

It’s disheartening, isn’t it?

Being a respected man means understanding that everyone is on their own journey, with their own battles to fight. Instead of criticizing, try offering support, guidance, or even a listening ear. It’s amazing how much respect you can earn just by being kind and understanding.

7) Being unapproachable

There was a time when I was so focused on my goals and ambitions that I didn’t realize I was becoming inaccessible to the people around me. I had built walls around myself, making it hard for others to connect with me.

Over time, I noticed a distance growing between myself and others. Conversations were formal and superficial. No one seemed to feel comfortable opening up to me or seeking my advice.

It was a wake-up call. I realized that being approachable is an essential quality if you want to be respected.

Being approachable doesn’t mean you have to be available 24/7 or that you have to please everyone. It means being open, attentive, and responsive when someone reaches out to you.

So if you want to be a truly respected man, it’s time to lower those walls and be someone that others feel comfortable approaching.

8) Being self-centered

We all know that one person who always makes everything about themselves. Whether it’s a conversation, a project, or a problem, they somehow manage to shift the focus back to themselves.

Being self-centered not only frustrates those around you but also diminishes their respect for you. No one wants to feel like they’re just a supporting character in someone else’s story.

On the contrary, respected men are those who show genuine interest in others. They listen more than they talk. They value others’ opinions and ideas, and they make sure everyone feels heard and appreciated.

So if you want to be a truly respected man, it’s time to shift the focus from “me” to “we”. Say goodbye to being self-centered and start showing more interest and appreciation for those around you.

9) Not taking responsibility

One of the most significant marks of a truly respected man is his ability to take responsibility for his actions. Shifting blame, making excuses, or denying mistakes doesn’t earn respect.

When you mess up – and we all do – own it. Apologize if necessary and take steps to make things right. This shows integrity, maturity, and respect for others.

Remember, respect isn’t just about how you treat others; it’s also about how you handle your mistakes. Taking responsibility is not just the right thing to do, it’s the respected thing to do.

So if you want to be a truly respected man, say goodbye to avoiding responsibility and start owning your actions.