"When someone demands respect, I am tempted to withhold it instantly.  (I’m rather contrary.)" &lt;--- I know what you mean and I react in exactly the same way! I think respect isn&#039;t a one way street. You need to give to get.
Also, I believe that in order to get respect, you need to first develop a healthy sense of respect for yourself as well. No one will respect you if you don&#039;t consider yourself worthy of respect.

-Sindoora (http://www.beyondhorizons.in)