I came across a comment online that posed an interesting question: How do you regain respect once it’s been lost? But what really stood out to me was the original post behind it. It wasn’t just about regaining respect it was about identifying the first and most essential foundation in a relationship. Surprisingly, it argued that respect, not love, is the true starting point. And the more I thought about it, the more it made sense.
I often talk about building intimacy, and how important bonding was but love without respect can’t sustain a healthy relationship. Love can be passionate, emotional, even unconditional at times, but it doesn’t automatically create healthy communication, boundaries, or trust. Respect, on the other hand, establishes the tone. It influences how partners speak to one another, how they handle conflict, how they support growth, and how they model behavior for others in their lives, including children or close friends.
Can respect be regained? In my experience, yes but it’s a challenging process. I’ve personally seen a couple go through repeated cycles of disrespect, where one partner consistently undermined the other. It started with subtle, offhand remarks small jabs that were brushed off at first. But over time, those moments escalated into outright verbal attacks.
The impact didn’t just stay between them it began to erode the very foundation of their relationship. Even their children started to mirror that same disrespectful behavior, showing just how far-reaching the damage had become.
Still, I believe that respect can be rebuilt. It takes time, self-awareness, and a genuine willingness from both partners to change. With open, honest communication and a shared commitment to growth, it’s possible to restore mutual respect, not just the partnership, but the family dynamic as a whole.
So while love may be what draws people together, respect is what holds them there.
The Sacred Shift | Intuitive Guidance With Suzette Lindo 