Being kind and respectful to all

RESPECT is when one person has a sense of appreciation and admiration for the good qualities, deeds and achivements of another.

If we respect someone, it is because we are acknowledging them for their personality and their actions mostly for their kindness, concern and generosity.

In the case of Mother Teresa, she had done good deeds and contributed by tending to the poor and hungry people in the slums of Calcutta, India.

Although respect for older people and others is very much part of our culture, it seems to be lacking in many people these days.

I must say that many young people are very much hooked to their smartphones and other gadgets, and do not seem to have time to acknowledge family and friends around them.

Some of this behaviour may also be attributed to their upbringing. Many parents being so busy with their careers and businesses hardly have time to nurture their children to cultivate good habits.

Children these days are very demanding and expect everything to be given to them. In school, they expect the same treatment and if teachers fail to treat them like how their parents do, they can get into a rage and become difficult.

The lack of manners and bad behaviour is unacceptable. We neeed to say please and thank you and even apologise when we are in the wrong.

When we treat people with kindness, others will treat us the same way too.

We also need to listen attentively to other people and show an interest in what they say and do.

We must not belittle others because of their background, faith or social status. This only portrays us as being arrogant and ruthless people.

When we respect someone, we must respect their choices. We cannot force them to decide or do something when they are not willing to do so.

We also need to value other people’s opinion but at the same time, we should not blindly follow whatever they say.

We need to understand their opinion, and then present our reasons for agreeing or disagreeing with them.

As an undergraduate, I can’t change the world, but I hope to make a difference by simply being a better person to my family, teachers and friends.

There are also many people out there who like me, share these values, and who can make our homes, schools, varsities, workplace even public spaces a better place for all.