7 subtle behaviors of people who are almost universally respected, says psychology

Ever heard the saying “respect is earned, not given”?

It’s a timeless classic. But let’s be honest, earning respect is not as straightforward as it sounds.

However, you might’ve noticed some people in your life who just seem to command respect wherever they go.

They walk into a room, and voila, you can practically feel the air brimming with admiration for them.

Ever wondered why?

Psychology points towards certain subtle behaviors these individuals exhibit that make them almost universally respected.

Intrigued? Well, let’s dive into what these subtle behaviors are and how they play a pivotal role in making someone deserving of our respect.

1) They demonstrate empathy

Ever noticed how some people just have a way of making you feel heard and understood?

This is because they’re demonstrating empathy.

Empathy is more than just being able to understand another person’s feelings. It’s the ability to share and relate to those feelings as if you were in their shoes.

People who are universally respected often have this knack for empathizing with others.

They recognize that everyone has their own struggles and challenges, and they make a point to understand these struggles rather than dismissing or ignoring them.

And believe it or not, this simple act of understanding can earn them a lot of respect because it shows that they value others’ experiences and emotions.

In other words, they show that they care. And who wouldn’t respect someone who genuinely cares?

2) They are genuinely humble

You know, I once had a boss who was incredibly successful. He was a CEO of a thriving company, owned multiple properties, and had awards galore.

But you know what was most impressive about him?

His humility.

Despite his laundry list of achievements, he never boasted or looked down on anyone.

He was always quick to credit his team for their hard work and was constantly seeking ways to learn and improve.

He treated everyone with equal respect, from the janitor to the board of directors.

It was this humility that made him so respected by everyone in the organization.

He showed us that being successful doesn’t mean you have to be arrogant or belittle others.

In fact, it’s quite the opposite. People who are respected are often those who remain humble and grounded, regardless of their accomplishments or status.

They understand that everyone has something valuable to contribute and they are not above learning from others.

3) They aren’t afraid to show vulnerability

Let’s get real for a minute.

We’re all human. We all make mistakes. We all have weaknesses. And you know what? That’s perfectly fine.

There’s this misconception that showing vulnerability is a sign of weakness.

That it somehow makes us less respectable. But I’m going to challenge that thought.

There was this friend of mine. She was the kind of person who was always there for everyone, always strong, always ready to help.

But one day, she confided in me about her struggles with anxiety.

Did that make me respect her less? Absolutely not. In fact, it made me respect her even more.

Because it takes courage to show vulnerability, to admit that we’re not perfect and we have our own battles to fight.

Those who are universally respected understand this. They aren’t afraid to show their vulnerabilities because they know it makes them more relatable, more human.

They realise that vulnerability doesn’t make them weak—it makes them real, and it fosters deeper connections with others.

So don’t be afraid to show your vulnerabilities. It might just earn you more respect than you realise.

4) They are consistent

Consistency may not sound like the most exciting trait, but it’s a critical one when it comes to earning respect.

Think about it.

We all have that one friend who is always there, come rain or shine.

The one who shows up on time, keeps their promises and follows through on their commitments.

There’s something comforting and reassuring about their predictability, isn’t there?

People who are universally respected share this trait. They are consistent in their actions, their values, and their words.

They deliver what they promise and they walk their talk.

This consistency builds trust and reliability – two essential ingredients for respect.

After all, it’s hard to respect someone if you can’t rely on them to be consistent, right?

So remember, being consistent in your actions goes a long way in earning the respect of others.

5) They practice active listening

Listening. It seems so basic, right? But how many of us actually do it well?

Here’s something you might not know. According to a study by Wright State University, we spend an average of 60% of our communication time listening, yet we only retain 25% of what we hear.

That’s a lot of missed information!

People who are universally respected, they’ve mastered the art of active listening.

They aren’t just waiting for their turn to speak, they’re genuinely engaged in the conversation. They’re absorbing what’s being said, showing interest, and responding appropriately.

This simple act of truly listening to someone can have a profound impact. It shows the other person that you value their thoughts and opinions – a surefire way to earn respect.

So next time you’re in a conversation, try to practice active listening. You might be surprised at how much more you understand and remember!

6) They show kindness, even in the smallest ways

Imagine this. You’ve had a rough day, everything that could go wrong did. You’re feeling low and defeated.

Then, out of the blue, a colleague offers to make you a cup of tea or simply shares a warm smile. Suddenly, your day doesn’t seem so terrible anymore.

It’s these small acts of kindness that can make a world of difference.

People who are universally respected often exhibit this trait. They understand that a little bit of kindness can go a long way.

They don’t just reserve their kindness for grand gestures; they incorporate it into their everyday interactions.

Whether it’s lending a listening ear, giving up their seat on the bus, or simply offering a word of encouragement, these small acts of kindness show that they genuinely care about the well-being of others.

And when people feel cared for and valued, respect naturally follows.

7) They respect others

Here’s the deal.

You can’t expect to be respected if you don’t respect others. It’s as simple as that.

Universally respected people understand this golden rule.

They treat everyone with dignity and respect, regardless of their status, background, or differences.

They listen without interrupting, they value others’ opinions even when they disagree, and they acknowledge the contributions of others.

Their respect for others is not limited to certain people or situations – it’s a fundamental part of who they are.

And in doing so, they create a positive environment where respect is reciprocated and mutual. Because at the end of the day, respect begets respect.

Wrapping it up

Earning respect isn’t about grand gestures or towering achievements.

It’s about the small, subtle behaviors we exhibit every day – empathy, humility, vulnerability, consistency, active listening, kindness, and respect for others.

It’s about being authentic and treating others with the same level of respect we desire. It’s about understanding that everyone has a story, a struggle, a victory – and respecting that journey.

Now ask yourself – how can I incorporate these behaviors into my daily life? How can I make these subtle actions a part of who I am?