I don't care that I am not rich and famous, hold a important position in large corporation or otherwise have a big impact on the outcome of today's worldly activities. I am happy being who I am. I make decent wages, I am a good mother, I am a good friend, sister and daughter (still struggling a bit with the "good girlfriend", but we'll get there).. I am lucky to have great friends and family, and although more money would always be welcome; power or fame is not something that appeals to me.
However, I do expect to be respected for who I am and what I do. I am too old to take people's crap because they think I should! I was born with a big mouth, so when I think about it, I have never really been good at taking any one's crap.
Ask nicely, and I will help you. Show some empathy for others, and I will be understanding of your difficulties. Listen to other people's thoughts and ideas, and I will hear what you have to say. Treat me good, and I will work hard for you. But I refuse to be any body's scapegoat, to be talked down to or bossed around. I will not do an ounce of work for any ass who thinks "they're all that" because of a title.
Some of the most gracious people I have met in my life have been the higher ups in large corporation. They all had two things in common - they had high expectations of themselves and all who worked with or for them, but they also made people around them feel capable and empowered. Isn't that a funny thing?
So I'm not exactly looking for the same respect as Aretha was, but felt the need to spell out the word nonetheless. I said before that respect is earned, and that is true for ourselves too. Respect yourself and live up to your own expectations, and the respect of others will soon follow.
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