Respect Isn’t That Hard

 Maybe it’s just me, but the concept of respect doesn’t seem that difficult to grasp. It’s simple: treat others the way you’d want to be treated. If you claim to respect your friends and loved ones, then show it—through your actions and words. If someone asks you a question, tell them the truth. There’s no need to lie. A real friend will accept your answer, no matter what it is, as long as it’s honest.

Now, if I let you stay with me for a few days so you can find a place and a job, please respect my wishes. If all I ask is that you don’t have people over while I’m not home, then don’t have people over. I’m giving you free room and board, clothes when you need them, and food and drinks. The least you can do is go to your friend’s (or trick’s) place if you want to hang out. Having strangers in my home when I’m not there is a serious violation of my comfort zone and trust. And honestly, it’s awkward as hell to walk into my house and see some random guy sitting on my couch staring at me. No matter how cute he is, my first thoughts are: shoot, run, and—on second glance—maybe even rape (LOL).

I love my friends and family, and God knows I’ll do anything to help them when they need it. But I just wish they understood that sometimes I need help too. Like everyone else, I have hard times, and every once in a blue moon, I could use a shoulder to lean on. The least you can do is clean up if you’re going to bring people over uninvited. I hate my place looking like a mess. I only have time to clean on my off days, which are early in the week, so if people drop by on the weekends, it might look like I never clean.

Let’s just be respectful—to everyone—regardless of who they are and how we know them. I believe in Karma, and I know she can be a real bitch if you screw her over. So show some love and remember to treat others how you’d want to be treated!

God bless.