Expecting people will practice respectful behaviour toward others is a standard for all societies and cultures. The challenge, of course, is defining what respectful behaviour is.
To a large extent bad behaviour is in the eyes of the beholder, that is the recipient of the actions. Difficulties arise because the categorization of the behaviour as bad or acceptable can be largely subjective.
Acceptable Behaviour
Putting the subjective aspects aside there is generally consensus on really bad behaviour, although most of these are extreme. Even the extremes have exceptions though. For example:
- violence perpetrated against others or even self flagellation is considered unacceptable
- full nudity (although not so much at a nudist colony)
- shouting (except for emergencies when getting attention is practical and accepted)
Extreme examples aside, the following have a very subjective component;
- not listening, ignoring others, disregarding others needs. (this is subjective in that one person may feel ignoredor disregarded well another would think nothing of the sort)
- insults ( one persons insult may be anothers compliment)
- disreputable appearance ( a beauty to me might be an ugly duckling to you
Meeting Expectations
Ultimately others judge your behaviour when it meets their expectations. When it does not you may be labled as rude, disrespectful, arrogant and so on.
The resolution to this dilema is the practice of self awareness. Using a variety of skills to sense others expectations and act accordingly. The usually results in your being held in high esteem.
