By Engr Kadala K.M | 22 January 2026
In a world where first impressions and lasting reputations matter, small daily actions can make a big difference. Below are 18 practical steps you can start using right now to rebuild respect and elevate your personal standing – no grand gestures required, just consistent, thoughtful behaviour.
1. Don’t chase unanswered calls
If you’ve phoned once or twice and get no reply, pause. Assume the person is busy or missed the call and only try again when you have a clear reason.
_Why it works:_ Repeatedly calling can feel intrusive and signal desperation. By giving space, you show confidence and respect for the other person’s time, which in turn makes them more likely to return your call when they can.
2. Return borrowed items on time
Pay back money or return anything you’ve borrowed promptly, without waiting for a reminder.
_Why it works:_ Timely repayment demonstrates reliability and integrity. People remember who honours their word, and this builds a foundation of trust that elevates your reputation.
3. Respect personal secrets
Avoid probing into someone’s private life. If you need to know something, ask for permission first.
_Why it works:_ Boundaries are crucial for healthy relationships. By showing you can be trusted with confidential information, you earn deeper respect and become someone others feel safe confiding in.
4. Reciprocate generosity
When a friend covers your transport, food, or other expenses, offer to treat them next time.
_Why it works:_ Mutual generosity creates a balanced exchange and prevents feelings of indebtedness. It signals that you value fairness and are willing to contribute, which people naturally respect.
5. Let people finish speaking
Hear them out fully before you respond, even if you disagree.
_Why it works:_ Interrupting can be perceived as disrespectful and dismissive. Allowing others to complete their thoughts shows you value their perspective, fostering a more collaborative atmosphere.
6. Mind your jokes
If a joke offends, stop, apologise, and don’t repeat it.
_Why it works:_ Humour is subjective. Recognising when you’ve crossed a line and taking responsibility demonstrates emotional intelligence and respect for others’ feelings.
7. Put the phone down
While someone is talking to you, keep your eyes on them, not on your screen.
_Why it works:_ Eye contact conveys attention and importance. By eliminating digital distractions, you signal that the conversation matters, which strengthens interpersonal bonds.
8. Pray for hospital visits
If someone mentions a hospital trip, simply offer prayers; don’t ask for details unless they volunteer them.
_Why it works:_ Offering support without prying shows compassion while respecting privacy. It reassures the person that you care without making them feel exposed.
9. Hold advice until asked
Offer counsel only when it’s sought, otherwise keep it to yourself.
_Why it works:_ Unsolicited advice can feel condescending. Waiting for a request shows you respect the other person’s autonomy and judgment.
10. Remove dark glasses when speaking to elders
Show respect by taking off sunglasses in their presence.
_Why it works:_ Removing eyewear signals openness and attentiveness, which are traditional signs of respect in many cultures, especially toward elders.
11. Don’t scroll beyond what’s shown
When handed a phone to view a picture or video, stop at the content you were given; avoid swiping to other material.
_Why it works:_ Respecting the boundary of what’s shared prevents accidental exposure to private content, reinforcing trust and discretion.
12. Pretend you didn’t hear unwanted information
If you overhear something meant to be private, act as if you never heard it.
_Why it works:_ Ignoring unintended gossip protects you from being drawn into drama and shows you can be discreet, a trait highly valued in both personal and professional circles.
13. Ignore instant corrections
When someone quickly fixes a mistake in your presence, act as though you didn’t notice.
_Why it works:_ Over‑emphasising errors can embarrass others. By letting small slip‑ups pass, you create a forgiving environment that encourages learning.
14. Choose modest options when someone pays
If a friend offers to settle a bill, don’t pick the most expensive item.
_Why it works:_ Selecting a reasonable option shows gratitude and humility, preventing the other person from feeling exploited.
15. Invest in self‑improvement
Rather than forcing yourself on indifferent people, focus on building your skills; respect will follow naturally.
_Why it works:_ Personal growth enhances your value and confidence. When others see you progressing, they’re more likely to seek you out and respect your achievements.
16. Don’t question deleted messages
If a message is removed before you open it, simply let it go.
_Why it works:_ Pressuring someone about a deleted message can feel invasive. Respecting their choice to retract it maintains trust and avoids unnecessary tension.
17. Respect closed doors
If a door is shut deliberately, don’t knock; accept the boundary.
_Why it works:_ Recognising and honouring boundaries, whether physical or metaphorical, demonstrates maturity and respect for others’ autonomy.
18. Appreciate before you criticise
When someone’s writing impresses you, acknowledge it; if it doesn’t, refrain from challenging them out of respect.
_Why it works:_ Positive reinforcement encourages openness and collaboration. By offering praise first, you create a constructive atmosphere where criticism, when needed, is more readily accepted.
Handling Setbacks
Even with the best intentions, you’ll occasionally slip up—miss a call, forget to return a borrowed item, or unintentionally offend someone. When that happens:
1. Acknowledge quickly – A brief, sincere apology (“I’m sorry I missed your call, I was caught up”) shows you recognise the mistake.
2. Correct the action – Follow up with the proper behaviour (return the item, make the call, or offer a small token of appreciation).
3. Learn and adjust – Reflect on what caused the lapse and tweak your routine (set reminders, keep a “borrowed items” list, or schedule phone‑check times).
4. Stay consistent – One setback doesn’t erase progress. Continue applying the habits, and over time, they become second nature, outweighing occasional missteps.
By treating setbacks as learning moments rather than failures, you maintain momentum and reinforce the very respect you’re striving to rebuild.
Universal everyday habits curated by Engr Kadala K.M.
“The views, opinions, and perspectives shared in this piece are solely those of the writer and do not reflect the official stance or position of Newsworth Media Company“,
