Monday, November 19, 2001

Courtesy and respect

It takes no more effort to be courteous than it does to be rude. And yet courtesy can bring so very much more value into your life, and into the world around you, than rudeness ever will.

Every time you interact with another person you have a valuable opportunity. You have the opportunity to treat that person with courtesy and respect. Even when you disagree, you can still be courteous and respectful about it.

Does everyone deserve to be treated with courtesy? Probably not. But that doesn’t really matter. Because the courtesy and respect that you exhibit toward others says more about you than it does about them.

Be genuinely respectful and you’ll be respected. Be truly courteous and you’ll win the admiration of others. Every interaction is your opportunity to earn the respect of others. Think of all the people with whom you come in contact on a daily basis, and just imagine what an impact your commitment to courtesy and respect could have.

Courtesy and respect toward others will cost you nothing and yet they can powerfully improve every relationship. Use them liberally. With them you’ll uncover some of life’s greatest treasures.

— Ralph Marston

A powerful question       Words of confidence

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