Respect

Treat all humans with respect. If you want to be in a romantic relationship, it is the first commandment. Memorize it. Internalize it. Breathe it. It is one of the few human behaviors that comes with no downsides. We live in a difficult time and it is hard to find behaviors that do not inflict harm either directly or indirectly. It is also the first thing to go when bigotry, sexism, hate and violence enter the equation. Regardless of your upbringing, class, political profile - all human relationshiops, especially romantic ones, begin with respect.

So, it follows that all human relationships suffer when respect declines. If you subscribe to the almost trite metaphors that compare relationships to plants, you can view respect as gardener that keeps things growing. New reelationships are seeds. They enclose a potential connection that must be brought forth with sunlight and water. The stronger the relationship grows the more bountious their production. Not all relationships are massive oaks or lofty rose bushes. Some are skunk weed. Some are moss. Some are perennials and some are annuals. All have purpose. All grow and and change. All leave the species evolved. With respect, relationships flourish. Without its guiding hand, relationships decline.

Disrepct would then be the axe. Whatv

What situation has not beem made better, alleviated, turned around or changed by treating others with respect. It’s a big word - one so emblematic it became one of the greatest songs of the modern age. Like everyone has the words of that some memorized, we have our own definitions.