Everyone likes to be treated with respect. People like to feel that they are important and that they matter to others. And if they truly are important and matter, then they expect to be treated with respect and courtesy. They want to know that someone thinks about them and considers their needs and feelings. This can make a person feel valued and special.
Consideration is demonstrated in the way we behave toward others. It is not only in what we say and do, but it is also in the way we say and do things. It is in our tone of voice, facial expressions, and gestures. We are considerate whenever we are courteous, thoughtful, respectful and polite in our manner and attitude.
We would not behave rudely or impolitely if we wanted to treat someone with consideration and respect. Rather, we would consider how our behavior would affect them. To consider is to think about carefully. When we care enough about others’ feelings and interests, we are considerate of them. And it will show in how we treat them.
Consideration communicates love in many ways, such as when we…
The more you love, the more you are given to love with.
~Lucien Price
We spend more time thinking about ourselves—what we want, how we feel, and what we think—than any other person.
Express genuine thankfulness and appreciation
Put others’ needs before our own
Have kind and affectionate thoughts for someone
Validate others and let them know they are heard
Use our words wisely and carefully
Are polite and courteous without needing a reason to be
Show proper respect for people even when we think they don’t deserve it
Can smile warmly and from our heart
Convey generosity that is heard in our voice and seen in our eyes
More than anything else, consideration takes some thought. It occurs when we think of others as worthy of our time and attention, and we choose to invest ourselves in them.
To whom and in what situations am I most considerate? Inconsiderate?
Do I believe all people should be respected? Do I think they need to earn respect? Explain.
Do I consider others’ feelings and needs when making a decision that affects them? Why or why not?
Would people describe me as polite and courteous? Why or why not?
Who do I feel is thoughtful of me? How does that make me feel?
I can choose to think of others instead of myself.
