Respect yourself or no one else will

Charity begins at home and so does self respect. Treating yourself properly sets a standard that others can recognise. If you dress badly, eat foolishly, act promiscuously and drink to excess you are sending out a message that you don't hold yourself in high regard. The result is that others do the same they treat you by the same standards.

If you look after yourself and project the image of a valued, well-cared for person people will expect to deal with you on the same terms. Consider how public property is often vandalised and maltreated -- it lacks an owner's pride and attention so the public treat it with contempt. The same applies to people -- set your personal standards high and expect others to do the same.

Respect, yes, but remember that pride comes before a fall so reasonable humility will gain you more respect than arrogant assumptions of superiority.

Women's Wisdom