"The last of the human freedoms-to choose one's attitude in any given set of circumstances, to choose one's own way." ~ Viktor Frankl

Respect, we all know and use this word! It is used in the number one Prime Directive for Ten Forward...Practice the 3 R's:

a. Respect for others
b. Respect for self
c. Take Responsibility for your own actions

Sounds easy enough to follow. Then why is it not practiced all the time inside the chat rooms? I've asked myself this question many times!

According to The American Webster Handy College Dictionary the definition of the word respect is: 1, treat with special consideration or high regard; heed 2, have reference to; relate to n. 1, high esteem; or courteous treatment. 2,a point; a particular; a feature. 3, (pl) compliments

Some people feel respect should be earned and not given freely. But I tend to feel all people deserve at least the first definition of the word. Treating people with respect helps us get along with each other, and we tend to more often then not bypass or resolve conflicts, and it creates a positive social climate. We see that respectful behavior means treating others with civility and courtesy, accepting personal differences, listening to what others have to say, and refraining from ridiculing, hurting or embarrassing others. All of us have a role to play in creating a respectful environment inside the chat rooms.

Here are a few questions each of us should mentally go over in our heads before entering the chat areas to see if we have what it takes to be a respectful person!

1. Do I treat other people the way I want to be treated?
2. Am I considerate to other people?
3. Do I treat people with civility, courtesy, and dignity?
4. Do I accept personal differences?
5. Do I work to solve problems without violence?
6. Have I ever intentionally ridiculed embarrass or hurt other people?
7. Do I help others to resolve their differences in a positive way?
8. Do I really listen to what people are telling me?
9. Do I let my mood dictate my manners?

Everyone has the right to have an enjoyable time when entering the chat rooms, and it is up to each of as to make that happen. We dictate our actions, and although most of us are ruled by our passions, we don't have to let our passions rule our manners. In the words of Carlos Santana " We all have beauty, grace dignity and love inside us, behave like that."

Live Aloha!