10 rare signs you’re highly respected by people (even if they don’t say it)

Ever wondered how people really see you?

Sure, there are times when it’s pretty obvious that people respect you.

They praise your work, value your ideas, or give you a pat on the back.

But what about those moments when it’s not so clear-cut?

Guess what? There are signs, subtle yet solid signs, that you’re held in high regard by others even if they don’t always show it.

Let’s uncover 10 rare signs that you’re highly respected by people.

1. They Really Listen to You

Ever felt like you’re talking, but nobody’s really listening?

Well, if people truly respect you, they’ll take the time to really hear what you’re saying.

They won’t be checking their phone, zoning out or interrupting you mid-sentence.

They’ll value your words, even if they don’t always agree with them.

So, next time you’re having a conversation, pay attention to how people engage with you.

If they’re all ears, that’s a solid sign of respect!

2. They Seek Your Advice

When people come to you for advice, it’s a clear sign that they respect your judgment and value your opinion.

It shows they trust your insights, wisdom, and experience enough to help guide their own actions or decisions.

So, if you find people – whether it’s friends, family, or colleagues – are often turning to you for guidance, it’s a good bet they hold you in high regard!

3. They Value Your Time

Respect isn’t just about listening or asking for advice. It’s also about valuing someone’s time.

A while back, I made plans with a friend who has a reputation for always being late. To my surprise, she showed up right on time!

When I asked her about it, she simply said, “I know how busy you are and I didn’t want to keep you waiting.”

That moment really struck me. It showed me that she respected my time and by extension, me.

So, if people make an effort not to waste your time, it’s a strong indication they respect you. 

4. They Respect Your Boundaries

Respect isn’t worth a dime if it doesn’t include respecting boundaries. It doesn’t matter how well someone listens to you or how much they include you in plans if they can’t respect your “no”.

When people honor your boundaries, whether they’re emotional, physical, or mental, it shows they genuinely respect you.

And let’s be real, it takes guts to communicate and maintain those boundaries.

I have to be honest, I used to struggle with setting boundaries in most of my relationships.

The worst part was that I wasn’t even aware of it until I took this free Love and Intimacy Masterclass from the renowned shaman Rudá Iandé.

Initially, my purpose was to resolve intimacy issues in my romantic relationship, but Rudá’s self-reflective questionnaires (which are part of this masterclass) made me realize that all of my relationships lacked boundaries.

Sadly, this was negatively affecting my self-esteem. 

This free masterclass helped me understand not just how to set boundaries but also how to communicate them effectively.

Now, I’m much more confident in ensuring my own emotional and mental space is respected.

Trust me, once you understand your own worth, setting boundaries becomes a lot less daunting.

Click here to access the free masterclass.

5. They Mirror Your Behavior

Did you know that people often mimic the behavior of those they admire or respect?

This psychological phenomenon is known as mirroring and it’s a powerful non-verbal cue of respect.

It could be as subtle as adopting similar body language or using the same expressions you do.

If you notice someone around you starting to mirror your habits or gestures, it’s quite likely they have a high level of respect for you. Interesting, isn’t it?

6. They Defend You in Your Absence

This one hits close to home, doesn’t it? We’ve all heard the saying, “a true friend stabs you in the front.”

It’s a funny way of saying that those who respect and care for you will defend your honor when you’re not around.

If someone speaks up for you, corrects misinformation about you, or simply refuses to participate in negative talk about you when you’re not there – that’s a big sign of respect.

It shows that they value your reputation and relationship enough to protect it, even when they have nothing to gain. That’s respect at its most heartfelt.

7. They Remember Small Details About You

This one always gets me. I have a colleague, let’s call her Mary. Now, Mary remembers everything – from the name of my childhood pet to the exact type of coffee I prefer.

The first time she asked me about my old pet dog by name, I was surprised and touched. It showed me that Mary not only listened when I spoke but also cared enough to remember these little details.

When people remember small things about you, it’s a clear indication that they respect you and value your relationship. It’s a small gesture, but it speaks volumes about their feelings towards you. 

8. They’re Straight with You

Respect isn’t always about being nice and agreeable. Sometimes, it’s about being honest, even when the truth stings a little.

If people are willing to tell you the hard truths, to give you feedback that might be tough to hear, it’s because they respect you.

They believe in your ability to take it on the chin, to learn and grow from it. It’s not about knocking you down; it’s about helping you be the best version of yourself.

And that is a raw and real sign of respect.

9. They Include You in Future Plans

Did you know that when people respect and value you, they tend to include you in their future plans?

It’s a psychological way of saying, “I see a place for you in my life down the line.”

This can manifest in many ways, from friends inviting you to a concert next month, to colleagues including you in a long-term project at work.

This kind of forward-thinking inclusion is a subtle but powerful sign of respect.

So, next time someone talks about the future and you’re part of it, remember – it’s their way of showing they respect and value your presence in their life.

10. They Trust You with Secrets

I’ll never forget the day my best friend shared a deep, personal secret with me. It wasn’t just about the secret itself, but what it represented – trust.

When people trust you with their secrets, their fears, or their dreams, it means they respect you.

They believe you’re someone who can handle their vulnerability without judgment or gossip.

It’s a privilege to be trusted at such a level, and every time it happens, I’m reminded of the deep respect that comes along with it.

Final thoughts

So there you have it – 10 rare signs that you’re highly respected by people, even if they don’t show it openly.