Introduction

Ever been ignored, left out, or put down by someone? Does it feel good? How we treat others goes a long way to hitting their moods and self-confidence just as how they do ours. It hurts them in more ways if we go about making them feel low-the impact will hit the psychological aspect of the person and be directly placed on their confidence. Perhaps, learning how to treat other people with kindness and respect is one of the most important things you can ever do. It brings you true friends and makes the world a better place for living.

Here is a guide on how to treat others the way you would like to be treated .

Empathy: Understand How Others Might Feel

Read also: Supporting the Mental Health of School-Going Students

Empathy means standing in other people’s shoes, imagining how they might feel about it or what they would do if they were in a given situation. Ask yourself before making your word come alive or doing something: “How would I feel if someone did this to me?” That’s an easy one.

For example, consider the same scenario of people sitting alone in the cafeteria at lunch. Instead of leaving the person and thinking they maybe prefer it this way, think about how nice it would be to ask them to sit with you. Being included can be very great. Empathy is being able to see other people’s viewpoints. It will prompt you to embrace others.

Why it matters

Empathy builds a connection between two people and prevents them from making wrong assumptions about each other. Whenever others are heard, they tend to be more relaxed and less defensive, which increases the value felt by everyone.

Don’t Make Negative Judgments and Labels

Sometimes, we judge people based on how they look, how they speak, or even what they are fond of. This may make people look down upon us or even hang their heads in shame for themselves though not doing anything wrong. Since everyone is different from another in character, preference, and experience, it would be better to be curious and open-minded than judging.

Say to yourself, “Ah, that’s cool, that person has something they are passionate about.” Condoning differences is one of the most positive ways to be kind.

Why it matters

 Each person is unique in their own way, and judging people negatively makes them feel uncomfortable or discouraged. Accepting and respecting those differences helps create a positive environment.

Carefully Select Your Words

Words are very strong. They can pick your day or put you down miserably. Even if you are being sarcastic, some words could sound impolite and disrespecting. So, before you communicate, ask yourself what impact your word will have on the person on the other side. Complementing, encouraging, and positive talking ways will make people appreciate being the same and included.

For example, instead of teasing them about their clothes or hairstyle, try to be positive and say something nice. A small praise like, “I like your new shoes!” can brighten someone’s day.

Why is this important?

 Kind words make other people feel good about themselves, while unkind words can hurt their confidence. The use of a positive language contributes to a respectful atmosphere.

Avoid Exclusion and Bullying Behavior

That is not fair – some bullying is intentional exclusion or picking on someone to make yourself feel better. Sometimes it doesn’t have a physical aspect, but it can include teasing, spreading rumors, or even ignoring the person deliberately. Being ostracized or making a person feel unwanted can make them feel lonely, and this loneliness can affect a person’s self-esteem.

Instead, lead by example: invite others to play games with you or hang out when you hang out as a group and, if you ever see someone being left out, try to make them included. After all, making someone feel included shows that you care.

Why it matters

Everyone deserves to be included and loved. Bad environments in the schools through exclusion and bullying can have a long-term effect on one’s mental health.

Practice Active Listening

Show respect by giving keen attention to what someone is saying. It involves giving full attention, not interrupting the speaker, and showing genuine interest in the person speaking. People indicate that they think you care about what they are saying by nodding their heads, eye contact, and wise comments or questions.

Let’s take an example. If your friend is narrating some story, don’t just sit there patiently waiting for an opportunity to talk. Listen attentively and ask questions which show you are interested in that topic.

Well, active listening makes other people feel valued and understood. Sometimes it takes time and attention from people you care about, so this can strengthen your friendships and trust with others.

Gratitude and Appreciation

Everyone likes to be appreciated. Even thanking someone for an effort done or just appreciating someone who has included you in their game can make all the difference in how he feels.

For example, if someone holds the door open for you, a quick “Thank you” will acknowledge the action of another person. Small acts of gratitude create a positive atmosphere and inspire others to be kind too.

Why this matters

 Showing appreciation helps build positive relations and encourages more acts of kindness.

 Treat Everyone Equally

Nobody likes being treated with disdain or being excluded. Be friendly and kind to people regarding their status, appearance, or even interests. Do not have any form of discrimination and be warm and considerate towards everybody except your closest friends. The chances of happiness and confidence become higher when people appreciate and treat each other equally.

Why does it matter?

quality in the way they get treated makes them feel it’s worth being associated with because they feel valued.

Lend a Hand When You Can

Kindness Consider showing kindness by helping someone out. See someone struggling with something in any form? Help them out. They may decline, but the offer alone shows you care.

For instance, when your classmate is struggling with homework, you can sit with them to study or exchange your notes. It helps bond the friendship while urging others to treat other people with kindness also.

Why it matters 

Sometimes, help means everything to a person who feels lonely or worried. This is such a simple act to express love or care for the other person and develop confidence in each other.

Conclusion

Treating people respectfully, with compassion, is a very important skill that will enhance the life of anyone. In fact, this can positively impact the people around you when making an effort to understand people rather than judgment, or when choosing kindness in place of a negative response. Remember that the way you treat others often comes back around to you. If you make people feel valued, respected, and included, then you’re probably going to be surrounded by friends who treat you similarly.

Think of how you would want someone else to treat you, and conduct yourself that way with other people. The more you continue to treat others kindly, trying to help them up instead of bringing them down, the better off you both are for the individual’s mental well-being and helping to create a friendlier, more inclusive world.