And be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you. Ephesians 4:32 (NKJV)
There are many ways to show that you respect someone. The words you choose are very important, but today I would like to discuss a subtle way you communicate respect that you may not have considered before: etiquette and manners.
When you think about it, you also communicate disrespect with the opposite: being rude or impolite. Even if you’re saying all the right words, you can scream disrespect with a roll of the eyes or certain tone of voice.
This is something to watch when you’re having a disagreement with someone. Communication easily breaks down when you get emotional, and if you use a loud, sarcastic or condescending tone of voice, you communicate a lot more than a different opinion. Basically, you say, “I don’t value you if you don’t agree with me.”
The fact is that you don’t have to agree on everything to value and respect someone.
Keeping your manners intact during a heated discussion has a huge impact. You prevent things from escalating, but you also build the relationship while working out your issues. You show them that even when you disagree, you still love, appreciate and respect them.
With this approach, you can even come to value your differences. Someone else may have a different perspective that will help you to make a better decision, or they might be strong in an area where you could use help.
The next time you’re having a disagreement with someone, keep using a respectful tone of voice and body language. Respectfully disagreeing creates a safe environment where everyone can feel free to lovingly express their point of view and it leads to strong relationships.