WHY RESPECT FOR SELF MATTERS

• Research shows that those who do not think well of themselves are prone to anxiety, depression, and eating disorders. And they are more likely to abuse alcohol and drugs.

• People who respect themselves avoid comparing themselves with others, which makes it easier for them to get along with people around them and to form strong friendships. On the other hand, those with little self-respect tend to be critical, which can damage relationships.

• Even when they face challenges, people with self-respect have resilience; they do not let setbacks keep them from reaching their goal. In contrast, those with little self-respect often view small failures as huge obstacles. That can cause them to give up easily.

WHAT YOU CAN DO

Choose upbuilding friends. Associate with people who are respectful, who are truly interested in your welfare, and who will build you up.

Help others. When you are kind and do things for others​—including those who cannot return the favor—​you will find genuine happiness that comes from giving. That will be true even if you do not seem to receive credit for your good works.

Help your children cultivate self-respect. One way to do that is to allow them to solve their own problems, to the extent that they are able. That helps children learn how to cope with adversity and work through it. This lesson builds self-respect, and it will serve them well in adulthood.