How often do we actually show respect in our conversations? It isn’t just about being polite or saying ‘please’ and ‘thank you.’
It’s about genuinely valuing the other person’s opinions, ideas, and feelings.
If you hear the following 10 phrases from someone, you’re a person who commands respect and someone they can look up to.
So, let’s jump in.
1) “You can count on me”
This is the single most important phrase that conveys peoples’ trust and respect in you.
“You have my full support” and “You can count on me” mean people will follow you and be there for you when you need them.
They will follow through on their commitments and promises, making them a dependable resource for you.
It’s important to recognize their willingness to support you and to reciprocate the trust and reliability they are offering.
But this next phrase is also really important.
2) “I value your opinion”
If someone tells you they value your opinion or feedback, it means they really respect you and what you have to say.
You’ve probably already been helpful in the past, and they now come to you for more advice.
You seem to command respect by giving people constructive criticism even when that isn’t something they want to hear.
But, above all else, you see this as an opportunity for open dialogue and exchange of ideas. You see it as a giving circle where everyone’s a winner.
3) “I admire your ability to…”
When someone tells you that they admire your ability to do something, it indicates they have a high level of respect and appreciation for your skills, qualities, or achievements in that particular area.
For instance, if they say, “I admire your ability to inspire others,” this implies that the person recognizes your ability to motivate and uplift those around you.
They genuinely value your abilities and believe them to be significant.
Some people often think this about others but rarely say it out loud. This could mean there’s too much respect, or they’re just too awkward to tell you that.
They might also think or say this next expression.
4) “I trust your judgment”
When someone tells you, “I trust your judgment,” they express a high degree of confidence in your ability to make wise decisions or evaluations.
They believe that you have the skills, experience, or knowledge needed to make a sound judgment on a certain issue.
I use this phrase in personal relationships and professional settings to show faith in the other person’s decision-making abilities when dealing with a difficult or complex issue.
Needless to say, I’ll only say it when I mean it.
5) “I appreciate your patience”
Another powerful expression that shows people respect you is “I appreciate your patience.” It means they’re aware of and value your ability to remain calm, understanding, and accommodating in situations that have such qualities.
They’ve dealt with many impatient and unpleasant people in the past and greatly appreciate it when someone like you helps them out.
Think about that for a moment. Patience is a virtue now, more than ever.
6) “You’ve given me a lot to think about”
If a person tells you, “You’ve given me a lot to think about,” it typically means that your ideas, insights, or perspectives have made a significant impact on them. This prompts them to reflect and consider new viewpoints or possibilities.
I love it when readers like you leave me a comment in a similar tone. That means I’ve made an impact on someone’s thought process and possibly even life.
It doesn’t get better than that!
7) “You’re making a significant difference”
Just like the phrase before, hearing “You’re making a significant difference” from someone means that your actions, efforts, or contributions are having a meaningful and positive impact on others.
It indicates your efforts aren’t going unnoticed and have a tangible effect on the people or circumstances involved.
My advice is to embrace the affirmation and allow it to fuel your motivation, knowing that your efforts are bringing about positive change and making a meaningful impact on other people’s lives.
8) “You’ve taught me something new today”
Another expression I love hearing is, “You’ve taught me something new today.” It doesn’t even have to be pointed toward me. Hearing it in any context and to anyone means a person has learned something new.
If someone tells you this phrase, it means they recognize that you’ve taken the time and effort to provide them with valuable information or perspectives.
Likewise, by acknowledging that you’ve taught them something new, they’re validating your expertise or knowledge in a particular area.
9) “Your success is well-deserved”
Although no one can take the success and things you’ve achieved from you, hearing them say, “Your success is well-deserved” is always nice.
It also means they believe your achievements or accomplishments are earned and merited based on your efforts, skills, and dedication.
They have confidence in your abilities and believe in your potential for continued success.
For me, it’s especially endearing hearing it from close friends or family members, not to mention my wife.
10) “Your time is valuable, and I appreciate you making time for me”
And lastly, we have another powerful phrase that means people respect us.
When someone tells you, “Your time is valuable, and I appreciate you making time for me,” it means they recognize that time is a precious and limited resource, especially for people in important positions.
They acknowledge that you have various obligations and appreciate your ability to balance those commitments while still finding time to engage with them and give them an advice.
Final thoughts
I really hope you have heard at least some of these phrases from people around you before. But even if you haven’t, it doesn’t mean people don’t respect you.
It could just mean they aren’t good at expressing themselves or that you have a strong personality that’s scaring people off.