Self-respect means taking care of oneself physically, mentally and socially. Self-respect involves practicing positive health habits such as eating well, exercising regularly, honestly expressing thoughts and feelings to others, accepting individual strengths and weaknesses, spending time alone, doing enjoyable activities and spending time with friends and family. The Continuum of Respect When considering interactions between individuals, a diagram illustrates a continuum of respectful and disrespectful actions. Respectful actions are to the left of the continuum. Aggressive behavior is motivated by the desire for power and control.
Consent means the actions are mutually agreeable.
For example, two people may both want to kiss and hug. Pressure means one person wants to engage in an action, but the other person does not or is unsure. In cases of disagreement, it is important for both people to respect the other s feelings and choices. Coercion means one person uses emotional or physical threats to get what he or she wants. For example, one person may threaten to break up with another if he or she doesn t have sex.