7 rare signs you’re highly respected by people, according to psychology

For quite some time, I had been grappling to understand my standing amongst peers.

You know the deal:

– Am I likable?

– Are my opinions valued?

– Do people look up to me?

– Do they respect me?

Fast forward to now, as the founder of Hack Spirit and a psychology enthusiast, I’ve managed to unravel some surprising signs of respect that people often overlook.

There was a time when I was unsure if people really respected me or were just being polite. It was pretty confusing and honestly, a bit stressful.

But then, I delved into the fascinating world of psychology and discovered 7 rare signs that you’re highly respected by people.

In this article, I’ll share these subtle, yet powerful signs. I hope they will help you in figuring out your social standing as much as they helped me.

Let’s dive right in.

1. People value your opinion

One of the first signs I discovered in my dive into psychology was this: if people respect you, they value your opinion.

It took me a bit to realize this. I mean, aren’t we all used to the routine niceties? People nodding and agreeing just to keep the conversation smooth?

But then I noticed a subtle difference. When people genuinely respect you, they don’t just nod along. They actively seek your perspective. They ask for your thoughts, your ideas, your advice.

Your opinions matter to them because they respect your judgement and insight. They’re not just being polite or going through the motions – they truly value what you have to say.

It was a revelation that made me pay more attention to how people reacted to my thoughts and ideas. It helped me identify the people who respected me versus those who were simply being courteous.

When you’re in a discussion, take note of who’s genuinely interested in what you have to say. It’s a subtle but powerful sign of true respect.

2. They trust your judgement

Another telltale sign I found was trust. When people respect you, they trust your judgement, even in difficult situations.

I remember a particular incident at Hack Spirit. We were facing a tough business decision, and my team turned to me for guidance. I was surprised at first. But then I realized, they were looking to me because they respected my judgement. They trusted me to make the right call.

As the renowned psychologist Carl Rogers once said, “The only person who is educated is the one who has learned how to learn and change.” My ability to adapt and learn from past experiences had earned me their respect.

Trust is not given lightly; it’s earned over time. When people trust your judgement, it’s a clear sign of the high regard they hold for you. This realization not only boosted my confidence but also helped me understand the depth of respect I had garnered in my professional circle.

3. People confide in you

The third sign that struck me was when people started to confide in me.

There was a time when a close friend was going through a tough phase. Instead of keeping it to himself or sharing it with others, he chose to confide in me. That was when it dawned on me that he respected me enough to share his deepest worries and fears.

It’s quite simple really. People only confide in those they respect and trust. It’s a clear indication that they value your discretion, empathy, and advice.

That experience made me realize how much people respected me. It wasn’t about being the loudest voice in the room or the most successful; it was about being trustworthy, empathetic and understanding.

If people choose to share their personal stories and secrets with you, take it as a huge compliment. It shows just how much they respect you.

4. They mimic your behavior

The fourth sign was an interesting one. I started noticing that people around me were mimicking my behavior, my mannerisms and even my speech patterns.

At first, I found it amusing and a bit strange. But when you look into and understand the psychology behind it, mimicry is not just flattery; it’s a subconscious acknowledgement of admiration and respect.

If you notice people picking up your habits or mirroring your actions, don’t be perturbed. It’s their subconscious way of showing they respect you.

5. They give you genuine compliments

The fifth sign that people respect you is when they give you genuine compliments.

I recall a moment when a colleague of mine praised me for my work ethic. It wasn’t just a casual, offhand comment. He took the time to point out specific instances where my dedication had made a difference in our projects.

People rarely take the time to give thoughtful, genuine compliments. When they do, it’s a sign they respect you and appreciate your efforts.

Receiving such praise made me realize that my hard work didn’t go unnoticed and that people respected me for it.

6. They listen when you speak

Listening, truly listening, is a rare skill. But it’s also a clear sign of respect.

There was an instance at a meeting when I was discussing a new project idea. I noticed that everyone was attentively listening, not just waiting for their turn to speak. Their eyes were not wandering around, and their phones were nowhere in sight.

This reminded me of a quote from the famous psychologist Carl Jung: “The most important thing is to listen—to yourself and others.”

When people genuinely listen to what you have to say, they are showing you that your words have value. They respect your ideas and your perspective.

This experience taught me the importance of active listening as an expression of respect. So next time you’re speaking, notice who gives you their undivided attention—it’s a sure sign they respect you.

7. They disagree with you

This last one might seem counterintuitive, but hear me out.

When people respect you, they feel comfortable enough to disagree with you.

I remember a spirited discussion with a close friend where we had polar opposite views. Instead of just agreeing with me, he voiced his disagreement. It was then that I realized that his willingness to openly disagree was a sign of respect.

People who respect you value your relationship enough to risk disagreement rather than just conform to your views. They believe in the strength of your bond that it can handle differences of opinion.

As the saying goes, “Iron sharpens iron.” So don’t be offended when someone disagrees with you. Take it as a sign of respect and use it as an opportunity for growth and learning.

A practical way to test this: next time you’re in a discussion, express an unpopular opinion. See who’s willing to challenge you – they’re likely the ones who truly respect you.