Growing up, I was taught that respect wasn’t just a virtue—it was an absolute must.
If you also come from that kind of background, you might recognize some of the habits and mindsets I’m about to share.
These signs run deeper than simply saying “please” and “thank you.” They reflect a time when courtesy, manners, and genuine regard for others shaped our everyday behavior.
Sometimes, I look at my son and wonder how different his generation’s experiences are from mine. I’m reminded of all the ways my parents ingrained respectful conduct into every fiber of my being—at home, at school, and pretty much everywhere else.
If any of these points ring a bell, it’s likely you too grew up in an era when respect wasn’t seen as optional but rather expected.
Let’s dive into the ten signs.
1. You greeted everyone politely
Do you remember how greeting someone wasn’t just a quick “hey” thrown over the shoulder? Where I grew up, acknowledging people—especially elders—was a must, not a maybe.
“Good morning, Mrs. Davis,” or “Hello, Mr. Johnson,” were the norm.
Sometimes, a handshake or a polite wave followed. It was about making that small yet meaningful connection. Even if you ran into a neighbor you barely knew, you offered a smile or nod.
For me, it wasn’t about going through the motions—it was about genuinely seeing the person in front of you. Respect began with this simple act of acknowledgment. It’s a habit that I still carry with me and one I hope to pass on to my son.
2. You always said “please” and “thank you”
Manners were never up for debate. A simple “please” when asking for something and a heartfelt “thank you” when receiving were non-negotiable. Where I come from, your parents or teachers would shoot you that look if you forgot these golden words.
Even now, I feel a little off if I neglect to say “thank you,” even for minor gestures like someone holding the door. It’s almost second nature.
Using polite words is one of the easiest ways to show that you do care, and that respect is deeply rooted in your interactions.
3. You stood up for elders (literally)
I can still hear my mother’s voice: “Get up. Let her sit.” If an older person or a pregnant woman got on a bus, my seat was no longer mine. And honestly, I never questioned it.
It might sound old-fashioned, but growing up, standing up—both figuratively and literally—was a sign of reverence for those who had walked a longer path in life.
It taught me to be aware of my surroundings and consider who might need help or comfort more than I did. Even now, I find myself doing it automatically. It’s a small courtesy that makes a huge difference.
4. You took apologies seriously
In the environment I grew up in, apologies were not just words; they were a commitment to do better. It wasn’t enough to say “sorry” and move on if you hurt someone.
You also had to show you truly meant it—often by changing your behavior.
When I messed up as a kid, my parents expected me to take responsibility. No half-baked apologies allowed. If I hit my brother or snapped at a friend, I had to do something to make amends—like fix what I broke or replace what was lost.
This taught me that respect includes accountability and genuine remorse. Today, if I find myself in the wrong, I still prefer a direct, heartfelt apology rather than a quick, dismissive “my bad.”
5. You treated public spaces as if they were your home
Ever been taught to clean up after yourself in a public park or a friend’s house? I was.
Respect extended beyond just people—it applied to spaces and environments, too. Leaving trash behind, scribbling on desks, or slamming doors weren’t seen as small slip-ups; they were considered disrespectful acts that reflected poorly on your character.
Even at work, during my days in digital communications, I would instinctively tidy up meeting rooms. And guess what? People noticed that small but telling gesture.
It’s amazing how the simple act of respecting shared spaces can translate to respect in professional and personal relationships as well.
6. You listened more than you spoke
One of the key lessons I learned early on was that listening is just as important—if not more—than talking.
If an adult was speaking, you gave them your ear before chiming in. If a classmate was explaining their perspective, you paused to understand before offering your own.
Stephen Covey has famously noted, “Seek first to understand, then to be understood.” That line stuck with me, and I think it perfectly captures the spirit of old-school respect.
By hearing people out, we show we value their thoughts and emotions. It’s a principle I try to uphold even in those busy, hectic moments when my mind wants to race ahead and interject.
7. You recognized the importance of eye contact
I’m pretty sure I was reminded to “Look at people when they talk to you” more times than I can count.
When you think about it, eye contact can feel so personal, right? But back then, it was seen as a basic courtesy—an acknowledgment that someone’s words mattered to you.
A friend of mine mentioned how awkward it felt talking to someone who’s constantly looking at their phone. I couldn’t agree more. Respecting someone enough to put distractions aside and focus on them is a timeless sign of good manners.
It’s a habit that fosters trust in both personal and professional settings, especially now when devices are constantly begging for our attention.
8. You gave credit where credit was due
Growing up in a time when respect was baked into day-to-day life, you learned not to take credit for someone else’s work.
If a friend helped you study for a test, you acknowledged their contribution. If a co-worker came up with a great idea, you made sure everyone knew they were the mastermind.
As Sheryl Sandberg has said, “True leadership stems from individuality that is honest and sometimes imperfectly expressed.” Part of honesty is giving proper recognition.
When I worked in digital communications, I often saw how a little acknowledgment could boost morale and respect within a team. It’s not just polite—it’s energizing and motivating.
9. You respected boundaries—physical and emotional
One thing I’ve noticed is that people who grew up in an era of respect tend to be mindful of boundaries—physical, emotional, and mental.
You knew not to poke around in someone’s personal belongings without asking, or bring up a sensitive subject unless you were sure they were comfortable discussing it.
Boundaries were understood to be part of healthy relationships. You might have read my post on setting boundaries for better communication, where I stressed how fundamental this is to any mutual respect.
It’s backed by many relationship experts who emphasize the value of understanding where someone’s comfort zone begins and ends. That sense of personal space is something I’ve always valued—and I try to teach my son the same.
10. Last but definitely not least, you stood by your word
When you promised a friend you’d help them move, you did it—even if it was inconvenient.
If you said you’d be there at six, you arrived at six (or as close to it as traffic would allow). A promise was seen as a reflection of your character, and breaking it felt like a grave sign of disrespect.
It’s one of those lessons I’ve carried into adulthood: if you commit, follow through.
Even today at DM News, we place high value on honoring our commitments because it not only solidifies trust—it shows genuine respect for the people depending on you.
Being known as someone who keeps their word is still one of the highest compliments anyone can receive.
Wrapping up
Living in a time when respect wasn’t optional has a way of shaping your attitudes for life.
Those small gestures—like giving credit where it’s due, making eye contact, offering your seat, and honoring your promises—might seem trivial.
But put together, they form a powerful foundation for how we treat others and how we expect to be treated in return.
Interestingly, a survey found that a large majority of Americans (79%) consider the lack of respect and courtesy a serious issue in society today.
That statistic doesn’t surprise me. I see it in daily interactions—people on public transport ignoring an elderly person, or someone speaking over another in a meeting.
But the good news is, each of us can still lead by example. We can be the ones who choose respect in the everyday moments.
I know it’s not always easy. Life is fast, stress piles up, and sometimes it feels like no one else is playing by these rules.
Yet, in those moments, I remember how my parents would nudge me to do the right thing—because it was the right thing. And that’s a lesson I can’t put a price on.
Here at DM News, we strive to keep these respectful values alive. Whether it’s through articles on mindfulness, relationship-building, or career advice, we aim to remind each other that respect is powerful.
If you recognize yourself in these ten signs, chances are you’ve inherited a set of values worth preserving and passing on.
After all, the world could do with a little more genuine regard for others—and it starts with each one of us, right where we stand.
