Whenever we want to react towards any act, we barely think of the subtle differences between ego and self-respect. Because we actually don’t think about these topics much. Recently, I had a very enthusiastic conversation with one of my known persons on the importance of being emphatic. One point he said a quote, “Everyone thinks of changing the world, but no one thinks of changing thyself”. After that, I deeply think of these topics in the lense of this proverb.

Actually, empathy requires the absence of ego. Because an egoistic person can barely control his/her own thoughts and reaction toward any situation. As a result, they only see other’s faults everywhere. The usual 6/9 perception picture can be used here as one of the best examples! In this example, any third party can easily say that both parties are right in their own respective context.

But now the question comes, why we are mentioning the word “self-respect” here. Not in every story, only the context seems odd. Even both participants can be wrong! But despite the fact that still, some reaction can not be justified. In this situation, owning own’s every tiny mistakes is the first step to mitigate ego. Then if we seem that no matter how hilarious the mistake I have done unintentionally still, the reaction of opposite person’s was very disrespectful. In that moment, silently walking out from the space without losing temper and consoling own self can become one of the best decisions. If we start believing that ‘ my mistake is my responsibility so It’s better not to rude to the opposite party as I’m having a respective mentality towards their context and i believe i am an empathetic being”. It doesn’t mean to encourage crimes but discourage practising ego on daily basis. Without pleasing own self by behaving rudely to the opposite person can surly broaden our ability to understand other’s context and learning walking out silently, shows that no matter how the reality shows up; I firmly know how to respect myself and for that, I can abandon myself from anywhere if requires. Winning by being right is not self-respect. Self-respect is all about owning thyself with lots of respect despite having unachievements in every attainable battles!

-Reneka Ahmed Antu