My friend Mita is always putting down her husband instead of respecting the differences. He is inclines towards sports and would enjoy a round of golf and squash while she preferred the theatre and chess. In a solid marriage, people nurture each other s self esteem. They may express humorous perplexity about one another s inclinations, but they never make each other feel like a dimwit. There should be fondness in the quips and a firm champion for the other s right to be himself.
Respect is expressed in fond words like Sure let s go to the opera.
Just don t blame me if I fall asleep. Respect then is the appreciation of the distinctness of the other person of the ways in which he or she is unique. These things take time to ascertain and respect. That s why respect is a quality of maturity in a marriage. I go mine.