My grandpa used to say, “Respect is hard to earn and easy to lose.”

True words, right?

Respect is a cornerstone of every meaningful relationship, be it personal or professional.

And gaining respect from those around us often makes life smoother and more fulfilling.

If you’re contemplating, “How can I command more respect in life?” you might want to do a swift check on these 7 behaviors you should bid goodbye to.

So let’s dive right in.

1) Overpromising and underdelivering

Have you ever found yourself saying “yes” to everything, even when you know you can’t deliver?

Here’s the thing.

While it might seem like a way to please others and win their approval, overpromising and underdelivering is a quick way to lose respect.

Why?

Because it creates a gap between expectation and reality.

This gap not only disappoints others but also makes you appear unreliable and untrustworthy.

In the end, your actions speak louder than your words.

So, make sure they align. Promise what you can deliver, and deliver what you promise.

2) Being dismissive of others’ opinions

We all have a unique perspective, don’t we?

I remember a situation from my college days.

My study group was preparing for an important presentation.

We were brainstorming ideas and everyone was contributing.

But one guy, let’s call him Tom, had a habit of brushing off ideas that didn’t align with his own.

Every time someone suggested something he didn’t agree with, he’d immediately dismiss it without giving it a second thought.

I could see the frustration building in the group.

The atmosphere became tense and people were less willing to share their thoughts.

No one likes to feel unheard or unimportant.

By dismissing others’ opinions, Tom was indirectly disrespecting them.

In life, everyone wants to feel valued and accepted.

When we take the time to listen and consider others’ perspectives, even if we don’t agree with them, we show respect for them as individuals.

And in return, we earn their respect.

3) Gossiping

Now here’s a behavior that’s all too common, yet undoubtedly destructive. Gossiping.

Let me share a story from my first job. We had a colleague, let’s call her Lisa.

She was quite social and friendly, but she had a knack for gossip.

She would often share stories about others in the office, sometimes even personal matters that were not hers to share.

At first, it seemed harmless—just idle chatter to pass the time. But over time, I noticed a shift in the way people treated Lisa.

They started becoming wary of her, avoiding sharing personal details or even casual conversations with her.

Why did this happen?

Because gossiping is a clear sign of disrespect for others’ privacy and rights. It erodes trust and fosters an unhealthy environment.

If you want to be respected, you must respect others first.

4) Avoiding responsibility

Nobody’s perfect, right? We all make mistakes.

But how we handle those mistakes can greatly impact how others perceive and respect us.

Let’s face it. It’s tempting to dodge responsibilities or blame others when things go wrong.

But think about it – doing so only makes us appear untrustworthy and immature.

Being accountable for our actions, on the other hand, does the opposite.

It shows integrity, courage, and reliability – qualities that command respect.

So next time you make a mistake, don’t run away from it.

Own it, learn from it, and grow.

Trust me; this simple shift in behavior can earn you heaps of respect in life.

5) Showing off

You’ve probably met people who love to show off their accomplishments, wealth, or possessions.

But did you know that such behavior often works against them when it comes to earning respect?

Showing off is, in essence, a way to seek validation from others.

However, it can often be seen as a sign of insecurity or arrogance, neither of which are respected traits.

On the other hand, humility is universally appreciated and respected.

Let your actions and achievements speak for themselves.

There’s no need to flaunt or brag about them.

After all, true respect comes from who you are as a person, not what you have.

6) Not being true to your word

Growing up, I had a friend who always promised to meet up but would cancel at the last minute.

After several instances, I began to feel less valued and eventually, distanced myself from him.

Being true to your word is a fundamental aspect of gaining respect.

When we fail to keep our commitments, it implies we don’t value the other person’s time or trust.

So, whether it’s showing up for a meeting on time or delivering a project by the deadline, staying true to your word is crucial.

It showcases your reliability and indicates that you respect others’ time and expectations.

7) Disrespecting boundaries

Healthy relationships, be it personal or professional, are built on mutual respect for each other’s boundaries.

When we disregard others’ boundaries, we disrespect their individuality and personal space.

This behavior not only strains the relationship but also tarnishes our respectability.

Make it a point to understand and respect the boundaries set by others.

Whether it’s respecting their personal space, their time, or their decisions.

Final thoughts

Recognize any of these behaviors in your life?

If so, remember it’s never too late to change.

It’s true, altering ingrained habits takes time and effort.

But, the payoff – commanding genuine respect – is undeniably worth it.

Start by recognizing these behaviors in your day-to-day interactions. Awareness is the first step towards meaningful change.

When you catch yourself overpromising, gossiping, or avoiding responsibility, pause.

Reflect on why you’re resorting to these behaviors and what you can do differently.

It’s about progress, not perfection. Celebrate small victories.

Maybe today you listened more during a conversation instead of dismissing others’ opinions.

Or perhaps you respected someone’s boundaries even when it was challenging.

Most importantly, be patient with yourself.

Change doesn’t happen overnight. It’s a journey of self-discovery and growth.

In the words of Ralph Waldo Emerson – “To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else is the greatest accomplishment.”

So strive to be true to yourself and others, honor commitments, respect boundaries, and stay humble.

You’ll find respect follows naturally.