Navigating the complex world of human interaction can be a real challenge sometimes, right?

You might have people in your life who you know, deep down, truly hold you in high regard.

But they’re not exactly the type to wear their hearts on their sleeves or shower you with compliments.

It’s not always a grand gesture or a heart-to-heart conversation that spells out how much they appreciate you.

Sometimes, it’s the little things that speak the loudest. The subtle signs that they respect and value you, even if they don’t say it out loud.

Here’s how to identify those whispers of respect, the quiet gestures of genuine appreciation that people show you without realizing it.

This is your guide to uncovering these 8 subtle signs people genuinely respect and appreciate you.

1) They listen when you talk

Have you ever noticed that feeling when someone is genuinely listening to you?

Not just nodding along while mentally making their grocery list, but really taking in every word?

When people respect and appreciate you, they give you their full attention. They don’t interrupt, they don’t rush to fill in the silences.

Instead, they let your words fill the space, absorbing your thoughts and opinions.

This is a subtle sign, but it’s a powerful one.

It shows that they value your perspective and consider your opinion worth listening to.

It’s a non-verbal way of saying “I respect you” without so much as uttering a single word.

So, next time you’re sharing your thoughts or ideas, notice who’s really listening.

You’ll find that those are the people who genuinely respect and appreciate you.

2) They remember the small details

There’s something truly heartwarming about someone remembering the little things about me.

It’s a small but potent sign of respect and appreciation that often goes unnoticed.

One day, I was chatting with an old friend, reminiscing about our childhood.

Almost in passing, I mentioned my favorite flavor of ice cream from this small shop we used to visit.

It was this sweet, nostalgic flavor called Honeycomb Delight.

Fast forward to my next birthday, and guess what? There it was.

A tub of Honeycomb Delight ice cream, all the way from our hometown.

Now, that was more than a thoughtful gift. It was a sign of genuine respect and appreciation.

It showed that they not only listened to me but also valued what I had to say enough to remember it.

It’s these seemingly insignificant moments that reveal the most about how people feel about us.

So, take note of who remembers the little details about you. Those are the ones who genuinely respect and appreciate you.

3) They respect your time

As Benjamin Franklin once said, “Time is money.”

But I think it’s more than that. Time is life. It’s the one thing you can never get back.

When someone respects your time, it’s a clear sign they appreciate and respect you.

Whether it’s not keeping you waiting, being punctual for appointments, or understanding when you need some space for yourself.

I had a friend who would always make it a point to be on time when we planned to meet up.

Even if it was just a casual coffee chat, he’d make sure he was there on time, every single time.

In today’s world where everyone seems to be in a constant rush, this kind of respect for another person’s time is more than just good manners.

It’s a subtle sign of genuine appreciation and respect.

4) They consult you before making decisions that affect you

Did you know that in certain Indigenous cultures, decisions that affect the whole community are made collectively?

No one person has the final say.

Everyone’s voice matters.

Now apply that to your personal relationships.

When someone includes you in their decision-making process, especially when it directly affects you, it shows they value your input and respect your autonomy.

Take a colleague of mine for example. We were working on a project together and she had an idea for a significant change.

But instead of just going ahead and implementing it, she came to me first.

We discussed the potential implications, weighed the pros and cons, and then made a decision together.

5) They defend you when you’re not around

It’s one thing to stand by you when you’re present, but it’s a whole different level of respect and appreciation when someone defends you in your absence.

Think about it. The real test of respect isn’t about what people say to your face, but what they say about you when you’re not in the room.

I had a friend who overheard someone making a disparaging remark about me at a party.

Instead of staying silent or joining in, he spoke up, defended me, and set the record straight.

Now that’s respect. It shows that they value your reputation as much as they value their relationship with you.

6) They give you constructive feedback

Feedback is a tricky thing. It’s easy to praise someone, and equally easy to criticize.

But to offer constructive feedback that respects the person’s feelings while also helping them grow?

That’s a real skill.

When someone takes the time to gently point out where you could improve, it shows they care about your growth and success.

They could just as easily let you continue making the same mistakes, but they choose to help you be better.

I remember my manager at my first job. She was a tough cookie, but she knew how to give feedback that was firm yet respectful.

She would always highlight my strengths first, then point out areas for improvement, and finally offer suggestions on how I could do better.

It wasn’t always easy to hear, but I appreciated it because it showed she respected me enough to want me to grow and improve.

So when someone gives you constructive feedback, don’t see it as criticism.

See it as a subtle sign of their genuine respect and appreciation for you.

7) They celebrate your successes

It’s a wonderful feeling when someone genuinely celebrates your achievements, isn’t it?

It means they’re not threatened by your success, but instead, they’re happy for you.

When people respect and appreciate you, they cheer you on.

They’re excited about your victories, no matter how big or small.

I’ll never forget when I landed my first major client.

I was over the moon, but I was also a little nervous about sharing the news. I didn’t want to come off as bragging.

But when I finally told my friends, their reaction was nothing short of amazing. They were genuinely happy for me.

Their celebration wasn’t just about acknowledging my achievement; it was a sign of their respect and appreciation for me.

8) They show empathy towards you

Empathy is the ultimate sign of respect and appreciation.

It shows that someone is willing to put themselves in your shoes, understand your perspective, and feel what you’re feeling.

When people empathize with your feelings, they validate your experiences.

They don’t dismiss your emotions or tell you to “get over it”.

Instead, they acknowledge what you’re going through and offer their support.

I remember going through a tough time in my life, dealing with a personal loss.

During that period, a friend of mine showed me what genuine empathy looks like.

She didn’t try to offer solutions or tell me it would all be okay. Instead, she simply said, “I’m here for you,” and meant it.

That kind of empathy is a powerful indicator of respect and appreciation.

It shows that they value your feelings and are willing to share in your pain.

Final thoughts

Noticing these subtle signs of respect and appreciation in your relationships can be quite enlightening.

They might not always seem obvious, but they’re there, hidden in the nuances of everyday interactions.

Being aware of these signs is a step towards understanding and valuing your worth.

It’s about recognizing the respect and appreciation others have for you, even if they don’t explicitly say it.

But it’s also about acknowledging your own ability to command respect and appreciation from others.

It’s about recognizing that you are deserving of these sentiments, and not settling for less.

So, as you navigate your relationships, keep these signs in mind. Look out for them in the way people treat you.

Respect and appreciation often come in subtleties.

It’s not always about grand gestures but more about consistent acts of kindness, understanding, and consideration.

Stay aware, stay confident, and most importantly, stay true to yourself.

When you do that, you’ll notice that respect and appreciation from others will naturally follow.