r-e-s-p-e-c-t

According to Merriam-Webster:

Definition of respect

1. 1:  a relation or reference to a particular thing or situation <remarks having respect to an earlier plan>
2. 2:  an act of giving particular attention :  consideration
3. 3a :  high or special regard :  esteemb :  the quality or state of being esteemedc plural :  expressions of high or special regard or deference <paid our respects>
4. 4:  particular, detail <a good plan in some respects>

in respect of

1. chiefly British :  with respect to :  concerning

in respect to

1. :  with respect to :  concerning

with respect to

1. :  with reference to :  in relation to

I find this interesting since the word respect seems to be used a lot. Especially since it is very important when dealing with others whether close or strangers even.

According to these definitions when dealing with others or other view points etc (#2 and #3), it entails some sort of "admiration" or esteem toward the other or even like it says, consideration, careful thought, reflection, or thoughtfulness.

But many times I've seen it used to dismiss this thoughfulness or falsely suggest consideration or reflection, and has no ounce of admiration or esteemed position of the others or view points. 

This is often said as "I respect that/this/you, BUT...."  So, I usually end up hearing after this BUT is:  ".... I dont really."

I think the "thoughtfulness" is not to say you have to agree or that you have thought about it and will now explain why your opinion or view is different or why you disagree. The thoughfulness, I feel is actually being thoughtful towards the other persons feelings about it.  

I guess you can respect something and not agree with it, and I see this more as agreeing that you disagree with something without trying to change the other persons view toward your own, without continuing to try to make them see how wrong they are that their view or opinion is bad, AND especially realizing that your intent from then on is not to make them feel BAD because you dont agree. That is the thoughtfulness, consideration, respect. 

I guess too, because I know I'm not perfect, and I have to be aware of using this word respect. It is so easy to say you respect something just to appease someone but not often easy to say it sincerely. 

Most of the time, the other party sees right through this eventually. 

Anyhow, not sure I explained this all how I wanted to. Just a reminder to myself when I use this word. 

On a lighter note: