Dr. Thomas G. Plante suggests that respect and compassion are the two keys to changing our current divisive culture into something more positive and constructive. He believes this is so because of two evidence-based predictors of relational conflict. One is that sometimes we feel disrespected, and other times we feel like the other person doesn’t care about us. Therefore showing respect and compassion allows for productive dialogue.
Key Takeaways:
- One of the evidence-based predictors of relational conflict, as well as its resulting frustration and aggression, is feeling disrespected, or “dissed.”
- Another evidence-based predictor of relational conflict is the feeling that others just don’t care about you. A lack of compassion, whether real or perceived, can be devastating.
- Embracing respect and compassion, and putting these principles into daily practice, can improve all of our relationships.
“Doing so involves remembering two key words and filtering all of our behavior through them whenever we interact with others—in person or online. These words should be used as a mantram and as an organizing and centering principle. They are respect and compassion.”