If we aren't considerate and respectful toward one another, it would only prove that we had bad character.

Update: Part of having respect and consideration for others is not being rude, and having the guts once in a while to say, "Yes, I am wrong". This wanting to have the last word all the time to prove a point is useless, and very annoying. I happen to think that people that want to fight all the time and cause trouble have already proved what their character is.

Sure, but this shouldn't mean some kind of Pollyanna "wouldn't say shit if you had a mouthful" approach to human relations. Respect does not mean some mealy-mouthed sacchrine "niceness" that neither gives nor is willing to receive criticism.

Too many people (both on RIA and in real life) regard any disagreement with their sheltered worldview as disrespectful or inconsiderate. As far as I'm concerned, such an attitude reflects not only a deep-seated insecurity, but a kind of moral cowardice.

Personally, I regard blunt honesty as a virtue, and I think it shows more character than many are willing to give it credit for. "Why can't we all get along" is a pretty blind and weak way to go through life. The fact is, we CAN'T all get along, all the time and on every issue. Recognizing that, and subjecting your own world view and opinions to critical thinking processes, also shows character.

As to the rudeness issue, this is often in the eye of the beholder. Some regard any form of contention as rude, or disrespectful. Others regard such as part of normal discourse. There are of course incidents of clear and unequivocal rudeness. For example:

"Frankswildyears is an ignorant fucking baboon," is gratuitous rudeness. On the other hand:

"Frankswildyears' claim that Winnipeg is a salubrious place to spend January is not only specious, but suggests wilful ignorance on his part," is a blunt spoken disagreement.

There is a considerable difference between the two, but I've learned that there is a faction on this web-site who cannot or will not understand that.

I like tacos

very important. I have respect for someone who is good and considerate to others. who do NOT act as if they are so much better that they cannot be decent to someone else. a big one in my book.

By respecting another -you respecting yourself. Be respectful!

I was taught respect and I taught my children to have respect along with compassion for others less fortunate and openness to the differences in people. I also taught them to be strong and confident and to stand by what they believe in. I feel very fortunate to have children that people compliment me on after meeting them. They are by no means perfect but are of basically good character. no one thing can make good character but a mixture of positive traits that makes it come natural.

Definitely most important. If someone has no consideration or empathy for others, then forget about them having any for you, or really for themselves either. I don't mean that a person has to give all to making others happy ( ie: doormat). But, respecting others, and helping someone who really needs it, is an important trait. People...people who need people.....

Good and evil is like giving and taking. What you give is what you get. We can all benefit as a whole if we treat others, even the smallest forms of life such as children and animals with respect and consideration. Even if they don't act respectful or considerate, we can still act that way and show them a good example. If we don't, there may be grave consequences such as war and abuse that leads to more disharmony and death. Our actions go in a big circle until it comes back to us so even the most selfish people should act with respect and consideration of others so ultimately they can receive it.

i sometimes have to say don't mistake my kindness for weakness. there has been a few people that have got a big surprise when they made this mistake. i treat everyone with respect its what i was taught but treat me with disrespect especially when is uncalled for you will see a whole new side of me that even i do not find pleasant

I had to chose this one, even though there are many important paramounts of character. It is just so rare and hard to come by today, especially for city dwellers. I long for the old school manners that people used to care about.

while sometimes i dont feel a person is deserving of my respect, i think consideration is always important. A person should not get so caught up in themselves that they are inconsiderate to those around them.