In today's society, respect is seen as an afterthought and taken for granted or ignored as an essential part of our lives, even by the educated.

However, you can earn respect from the people you interact with daily. Your actions do make a difference. 

Use these ideas to command and receive the respect you know you deserve:

1. Respectably carry yourself. Act in a manner by communicating with others so that they take you seriously. Consider your conduct and act with tact in all circumstances. 

Carry yourself with pride. Act in a way that would make your parents proud of you. Refrain from participating in something you tell your children not to do.

When you're highly regarded, people will automatically respect you. If you need to verbally ask for respect from others, you're dealing with an immature person or behaving in ways that cause others to respect you less.

2. Follow the golden rule. Treat others respectfully, and they'll treat you according to your tone. Understand that everyone has boundaries that they expect you to respect. If you cross them intentionally, you're digging your hole. 

If someone treats you wrongfully, reciprocate with grace and kindness. Be mature; walk away. By doing so, others will perceive you positively and respond in your favor.

3. Start weeding. It's important to realize that some people simply think they're above moral laws. These types of people will do what they want when they want and utter out their thoughts with total disregard for anyone else's emotions.

Weed these toxic people out of your life. You are your very first priority. If you allow yourself to be mistreated by others, you're broadcasting that treating you like a doormat is okay. 

4. Conduct yourself with class. Keep your head above the water in sticky situations. A calm conversation often serves your interests better than lashing out in anger. Always speak positively about your friends. You'll be admired as someone who refuses to gossip and win the trust of others.

Make it a point to be aware of your actions and reactions and think before you speak. When you do, you're indirectly commanding the respect that you deserve.

5. Be realistic. If you're trying to be on equal footing with your elders or higher-ups in your company, you're setting yourself up for disappointment. It's important to understand that there will always be a group of people above you in a certain sense. And it's necessary to treat them with respect. 

There's an unspoken rule in social and corporate ranking systems. The older you are, the more respect you deserve from society. The higher you are within the company, the more respect you command. Just remember that one day, it will be your turn.

6.    Achieve more. If you're promoted within your company for your high work ethic or receive your Ph.D., your achievements warrant respect from others. Outstanding achievements are praised and respected.

Consider continuing your education. It will boost your self-esteem, income, and career achievements, and it will make others respect your dedication to excellence. 

Remember, the easiest way to command respect from everyone around you is to be honorable. Hold yourself and your actions to a high standard, and others will inherently be aware of the excellent person you indeed are.