Sep
16
Touchy Respect
Although two people may share a particular value, say - "mutual respect is important," exactly HOW "respect" is shown - that is demonstrated with a cultural sense as well as an individually assigned meaning. Important differences in assumptions about the priority of values are revealed in conflict and mismatches that can be quite educational.
The way a value is expressed will reveal content as well as unique meanings. For some, a way to show respect is through admiring, compliments and flattery. A conflict would happen if the other person held the value that the motive to accept flattery would be mere "ego fluffing." Or that if someone complimented a possession, it meant they should get it as a gift. Such a person would rebuff another person's idea of "respect," which would be confusing.
The way a value is expressed will reveal content as well as unique meanings. For some, a way to show respect is through admiring, compliments and flattery. A conflict would happen if the other person held the value that the motive to accept flattery would be mere "ego fluffing." Or that if someone complimented a possession, it meant they should get it as a gift. Such a person would rebuff another person's idea of "respect," which would be confusing.
