Do you want the ability to distinguish like vs respect? Or the opposite, dislike vs disrespect? Here we will discuss the difference between the two.
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Many people have the impression that like and respect are the same, when, in fact, they’re quite different. Here, I will differentiate like vs respect and explain how they differ.
You will learn to distinguish between the two by noticing the diverse characteristics of each.
After learning to separate both terms, you will be able to know the difference when you see it on the street. Also, your social life will benefit greatly.
This post is all about the difference of like vs respect that you must know to better work with people.
like vs respect
What’s the difference between them?
Before we go further, let’s put it this way:
There can be respect without like. However, there can never be liking without respect. Put more straightforwardly, a person doesn’t have to like you to respect you. However, they do have to respect you to like you.
Difference 1.
Like:
Like is based on commonalities and good feelings shared between people. When you like someone, you enjoy their company and the positivity they bring to your life.
Whereas not liking somebody means you have nothing in common. Maybe you just don’t want to be around the person.
That’s perfectly okay. Why? Because not everyone is alike. Maybe you don’t share the same beliefs, feelings, ideas, or backgrounds.
Like is subjective, and it’s just a normal part of human existence. Therefore, you can dislike someone but respect their right not to have their boundaries crossed.
Respect:
Respect is regard for another person’s safety, space, freedom, privacy, property, and individuality. When you respect someone, you may not necessarily like the person. But you see them as having the same rights and considerations as you and everyone else.
In contrast, disrespecting someone means that you have no regard for their safety, space, freedom, privacy, property, or individuality.
Hence, like vs disrespect.
like vs respect:
What are the Specific Signs of Dislike?
1. Nothing in common with the person. You wish them well, but you’d prefer not to go on long trips with them. You have no problem coexisting.
2. You see them as having the same human rights as you and anyone else. And you won’t bully them nor place them in danger. You only don’t have anything in common with the person.
3. Dislike isn’t always personal. It just means you don’t mesh well.
Again, this is just a normal part of life. Everybody has people who don’t like them…everybody! Why? Because everyone is different, and we all run in different circles.
Most people confuse dislike vs disrespect.
Too many people mistake dislike for disrespect, even hate. There are people I dislike. However, I don’t hate them. I just let them be and go on doing my thing.
it’s dislike. that’s all it is.
This is why you should never worry about who likes or doesn’t like you. It’s a waste of your time. Why? Because when you do, you give away your power by allowing others’ opinions to control you.
So, do you want to be a slave to mere opinions?
The key to your happiness is not to concern yourself with what others think of you. Because you don’t, you give yourself happiness and freedom. And it’s the best kind there is!
Therefore, see your worth. Let those people go live their lives while you go live yours. As long as they aren’t bothering you, be okay with their dislike.
Do not go out of your way to make people like you. Don’t put on any fronts, and don’t try to be someone you aren’t.
In short, DON’T CHANGE!
Instead, be yourself and do your thing. Do the things that make you happy. Keep this up, and you will naturally attract the friends who were meant to be in your life.
like vs respect:
What are the Detailed Signs of Disrespect?
1. Lack of regard for the person’s freedom- this could include belittling their opinions and ideas, taking away their freedom to speak by talking over them when they are speaking, getting angry with them if they would rather spend time with family than with you or the group.
2. Lack of regard for the person’s safety- you bully them or put them in danger of being physically hurt. You don’t want to coexist.
3. Disrespect is always personal.
Disrespect is a whole different animal from dislike. If you have disrespect for a specific individual. You don’t see them as having the same human rights and considerations as you and everyone else.
Therefore, you don’t acknowledge that person’s boundaries, and you are more likely to trample their dignity and human rights.
Put simply, you think the person somehow deserves to be violated. Therefore, you deem it okay to abuse them as much as you want and with impunity.
Disrespect almost always boils over into verbal and emotional abuse, and even physical violence.
beware of disrespect.
If you are ever around anyone who disrespects you, it pays to watch them closely. Just do it without looking like you’re watching them. Also, watch your back around them.
You can do one of two things. Either call them out or distance yourself. Understand that people who disrespect you are usually out to harm you.
However, you should never care about their opinions of you either. Never allow them to define you. It’s your place to define yourself, not theirs.
Instead, ask yourself these questions:
- “Have any of these morons even reached my level?”
- “Do their opinions even matter?”
- “Who are these people that I should care?”
Understand that the weight you give to any opinion should depend on who they are. And you should determine it by the relationship you have with them.
Know that not everyone’s thoughts or opinions are relevant. And their words don’t matter.
like vs respect: Also, consider this:
In order to be offended by another person’s opinions or words, you must first value them. This means you must first value the owner of those opinions.
In other words, the value you give them depends on who they are and how close you are.
And hold on to those beliefs. Realize that their hatred only comes from a place of ignorance, stupidity, bitterness, jealousy, or insecurity. Nothing more.
Take it with a grain of salt and only value the opinions of those who know you- God and those of your closest family members and friends.
When you stop caring what bullies think of you, you stop valuing their opinions. In that, you stop giving bullies value and consideration they haven’t earned. Therefore, you stop giving them your power.
like vs disrespect: how to respond
If you are a victim of bullying, you must distinguish between the two. Then, act appropriately. Disrespect is much worse than dislike.
Dislike is a part of life and much easier to deal with. Disrespect, on the other hand, is harmful.
The people who dislike you won’t necessarily try to hurt you, but will act neutral around you. They might even say a few words to you to be polite. They just won’t be buddy-buddy with you.
On the other hand, people who disrespect you will violate you. They will shame you and humiliate you. They may even try to sabotage you and physically assault you.
If the people around you dislike you, it’s their loss, and you can still be around them if you must.
However, if they disrespect you, then it’s time to stand up to them. You can also walk away from them or send them packing.
People who regard you with disrespect don’t deserve a place in your life! Therefore, do what you need to do to protect yourself. And if the person who disrespects you is in your circle, be prepared to cut ties with them.
It takes courage to walk away from a toxic family member or friend. But sometimes, self-care requires you to do so.
Besides, there’s a positive side to your bullies’ disrespect if you look for it.
You could see them as motivation to work on yourself. In other words, you can use it as fuel to pursue your goals and dreams. Your bullies’ disrespect can be a vehicle for success if you want it to be.
Conclusion:
If you had to choose, wouldn’t you much rather be respected than be liked? And, wouldn’t you prefer to be disliked rather than disrespected?
With dislike, there’s still a degree of safety. With disrespect, there is no safety. Why? Because when people disrespect you, they’ll violate your boundaries.
Think of it this way. In the Marine Corps, privates may not like a certain drill sergeant because he’s a complete jerk. But they respect him, and with respect comes protection and safety.
This post was all about the detailed differences of like vs respect to help you to recognize each when it happens and respond accordingly.
Related posts you’ll enjoy:
1. Setting Boundaries: 3 Powerful Practices to Hold Your Ground
2. Acceptance and Tolerance: 5 Best Ways to Know the Difference
