150+ Quotes About Respect In Relationships And Love

The couple holds each other hands

Image: Midjourney/ MomJunction Design Team

Respecting your partner’s boundaries and space and letting your partner know about their special place in your life are crucial in any relationship. Also, sharing respect in relationship quotes may help strengthen your bond with them and express your adoration and care towards them. These showcase your kindness, empathy, and gratitude towards them and can help foster a relationship based on love, trust, loyalty, and mutual regard. Read on to find some of the best quotes that will help strengthen your relationship with your love.

In This Article

150+ Respect in Relationship Quotes

Quotes About Respect In Relationships

Respect is the most important thing in a relationship. It is essential for nurturing loving, caring, and lasting relationships. Without mutual respect, a relationship is unlikely to endure. We bring to you some of the best quotes that talk about the importance of respect in a relationship.

  1. “You can demand courtesy but you have to earn respect.” – Lawrence Goldstone
  1. “I must respect the opinions of others even if I disagree with them.” – Herbert H. Lehman
  1. “Never trade respect for attention.” – Mel Robbins
  1. “The meeting of two personalities is like the contact of two chemical substances: if there is any reaction, both are transformed’’ – Carl Jung
  1. “She always thought she needed someone to love when all she really needed to do was love the world and let love find her in its time and in its way.’’– Kate McGahan
  1. “Knowledge will give you power, but character respect.” – Bruce Lee
  1. “Once you take care of people, people respect you.” – George Weah
  1. “Men are respectable only as they respect.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson
  1. “Love doesn’t just happen. One has to make it happen.” – Unknown
  1. ”There are multiple ways to express love. But there may only be one way to genuinely convey your respect.” – Unknown
  1. “Respect is what we owe; love, what we give.” – Philip James Bailey
  1. ”Respect people who find time for you in their busy schedule. But cherish the ones people who change their schedule to be with you.” – Unknown
  1. “Politeness is a sign of dignity, not subservience.” – Theodore Roosevelt
  1. “We must learn to live together as brothers or perish together as fools.” – Martin Luther King, Jr.
  1. “No matter what anyone says or how they act towards you, always remember that they see only what you want to show them.” – Unknown
  1. “I cannot compromise my respect for your love. You can keep your love, I will keep my respect.” – Amit Kalantri
  1. “I speak to everyone in the same way, whether he is the garbage man or the president of the university.” – Albert Einstein
  1. “To be one, to be united is a great thing. But to respect the right to be different is maybe even greater.” – Bono
  1. “When we treat people merely as they are, they will remain as they are. When we treat them as if they were what they should be, they will become what they should be.” – Thomas S. Monson
  1. ”Respect is the truest guardian of a loving and caring mind.” – Unknown
  1. “Nothing is more despicable than respect based on fear.”– Albert Camus
  1. “A person who has no respect for himself is incapable of having any respect for his partner.” – Unknown
  1. ”Long distance relationship will work if two people involved have inherent love and genuine respect for one another.” – Unknown
  1. “One of the most sincere forms of respect is actually listening to what another has to say.” – Bryant H. McGill
  1. “All sides must learn to respect one another.” – Reuven Rivlin
  1. “Be modest, be respectful of others, try to understand.” – Lakhdar Brahimi
  1. “If we can respect the divine within us, if we can treat it with dignity, then we can respect others around us.” – Vishwas Chavan
  1. “I like people who refuse to speak until they are ready to speak.’’- Lillian Hellman
  1. “Learn to live in this world with self-respect.”– B.R Ambedkar
  1. You will gain more respect and esteem through listening rather than through talking.” – Clive Harman
  1. “Respect is one of the greatest expressions of love.” – Miguel Angel Ruiz
Man shows love and respect in the relationship

Image: Shutterstock

  1. “Being brilliant is no great feat if you respect nothing.” – Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
  1. “How people treat you with their karma. How you react is yours.” – Wayne W. Dyer
  1. “If we are not free, no one will respect us.” – A.P.J Abdul Kalam
  1. “Without respect, for each other’s values and beliefs, relationships go for a toss.” – Unknown
  1. “Sometimes to keep a relationship you need to compromise. You have to give up your self respect and pride… just because you don’t want to lose what you have… But a person who truly loves you will never let you do that… he will never let you compromise on your self esteem… No matter what circumstances are…” – Neena Gupta
  1. “I respect people and expect that kind of respect back.” – Dennis Franz
  1. “When you practice gratefulness, there is a sense of respect toward others.” – Dalai Lama
  1. “We should all consider each other as human beings, and we should respect each other.” – Malala Yousafzai
  1. “Love is a two-way street constantly under construction.” – Carroll Bryant
  1. “Respect for ourselves guides our morals; respect for others guides our manners.” – Laurence Sterne
  1. “No boundary off area surrounds the heart of a person that lost their self and others.” – Shannon L. Alder
  1. “In everyone’s life, at some time, our inner fire goes out. It is then burst into flame by an encounter with another human being. We should all be thankful for those people who rekindle the inner spirit’’ – Albert Schweitzer
  1. “It is not a lack of love, but a lack of friendship that makes unhappy marriages.” — Friedrich Nietzsche
  1. “When you show people kindness and respect, despite petty differences, you are bringing positive vibes into your life and into the lives of others.” — Jason Scotts
  1. “Respect is one of life’s greatest treasures. I mean, what does it all add up to if you don’t have that?” – Marilyn Monroe
  1. “I guess at the end of the day, all women like to be appreciated and treated with respect and kindness.” – Sofia Vergara
  1. “If you value a relationship, nurture it with respect and kindness.” – Unknown
  1. “Treat everyone with respect and kindness. Period. No exceptions.” – Kiana Tom
  1. “Respect is for those who deserve not for those who demand it.” – Paulo Coelho
  1. “Respect is appreciation of the separateness of the other person, of the ways in which he or she is unique.” – Annie Gottlieb
  1. “Respecting someone indicate the quality of your personality.” – Mohammad Rishad Sakhi
  1. “Love can bring two people together. But it is only respect that will keep two souls together.” – Unknown
  1. “I’m not concerned with your liking or disliking me. All I ask is that you respect me as a human being.” – Jackie Robinson
  1. “I will try not to convince you to love me, to respect me, to commit to me. I deserve better than that; I am better than that… Goodbye.” – Steve Maraboli
  1. “I believe that working with good people matters because then the work environment is good. If there is a sense of respect and belief among the people you work with, that is when good work is done.”– Ranbir Kapoor
  1. “Respect for the truth comes close to being the basis for all morality.” – Frank Herbert
  1. “If you really love your partner, learn to respect them first.”– Unknown
  1. “To love yourself, truly love yourself, is to finally discover the essence of personal courage, self-respect, integrity, and self-esteem. These are the qualities of grace that come directly from a soul with stamina.” – Caroline Myss
  1. “Respecting another human being isn’t easy. Sooner or later, they’ll let you know if you really value them.” – Unknown
  1. ”Respect your partner’s feelings even if you disagree with them, it shows how much the relationship means to you.” – Unknown
  1. “If you are not being treated with respect, don’t be a doormat.”– Robert Rain
  1. “Every human being, of whatever origin, of whatever station, deserves respect. We must each respect others even as we respect ourselves.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson
  1. “Treat people the way you want to be treated. Talk to people the way you want to be talked to. Respect is earned, not given.” – Hussein Nishah
  1. “There are lots of people I admire and respect, but I don’t necessarily want to be like them. I’m too happy being myself.” – James D’arcy
Woman loves and respects herself

Image: Shutterstock

  1. “Be kind, don’t judge, and have respect for others. If we can all do this, the world would be a better place. The point is to teach this to the next generation.” – Jasmine Guinness
  1. “Love is the foundation, while respect is the framework that allows a relationship to stand strong and long.” – Unknown
  1. “Self-respect is the cornerstone of all virtue.” – John Herschell
  1. “Be more humble than a blade of grass, more tolerant than a tree, always offering respect onto others and never expecting any in return.” – Chaitanya Mahaprabhu
  1. “If you can’t Respect her, you don’t Deserve Her!” – Udayveer Singh
  1. “Without love, there is no relationship. Without respect, there’s no reason to stay in it.” – Unknown
  1. “Always remember the golden rule, respect yourself and do not allow other people to use you or take advantage of your weakness.” – RD King
  1. “Once you figure out what respect tastes like, it tastes better than attention. But you have to get there.” – Pink
  1. “The bond that links your true family is not one of blood, but of respect and joy in each other’s life.” – Richard Bach
  1. “Respect your efforts, respect yourself. Self-respect leads to self-discipline. When you have both firmly under your belt, that’s real power.” – Clint Eastwood
  1. “If you truly want to be respected by people you love, you must prove to them that you can survive without them.” ― Michael Bassey Johnson

Love And Respect Quotes

Be grateful for your partner and shower them with appreciation and acknowledgment for even the small things they did for you. Show your admiration through thoughts, words, and deeds.

  1. “Most good relationships are built on mutual trust and respect.” – Mona Sutphen
  1. “Little people are indifferent. Superior people are caring.” – Maxime Lagacé
  1. Be Helpful When you see a person without a smile, Give them yours. –Zig Ziglar
  1. “Respect is the compass that always guides you to love’s true destination.” – Unknown
  1. “Respect is a two-way street, if you want to get it, you’ve got to give it.” – R.G. Risch
  1. “Respect commands itself and it can neither be given nor withheld when it is due.” – Eldridge Cleaver
  1. “If we can respect the divine within us, if we can treat it with dignity, then we can respect others around us.” –Vishwas Chavan
  1. “Respect was invented to cover the empty place where love should be.” – Leo Tolstoy
  1. “The easiest way to open a closed door is with kindness and respect.” – Manuel Corazzari
  1. ”It takes time to earn respect, but once you’ve got it, it’s yours forever.” – Unknown
  1. ”Never waste your feelings on people who don’t value them.” – Unknown
  1. ”Never above you. Never below you. Always beside you. Is the way to build relationship!”– Unknown
  1. “If we lose love and self-respect for each other, this is how we finally die.” – Maya Angelou
  1. “I firmly believe that respect is a lot more important, and a lot greater, than popularity.” – Julius Erving
  1. “I would rather be alone with dignity than in a relationship that requires me to sacrifice my self respect.” – Mandy Hale
  1. “Respect is not something you inherit, it is something you earn every day.”– Unknown
  1. “To get down to the quick of it, respect motivates me – not success.” – Hugh Jackman
  1. “I cannot conceive of a greater loss than the loss of one’s self-respect.” – Mahatma Gandhi
  1. “We must express ourselves in ways that demonstrate our respect for others.” – Stephen Carter
Man shows respect to woman in the relationship

Image: Shutterstock

  1. “The key is to learn to respect and honor the complications of other people’s lives.” – Goldie Hawn
  1. “If you are confident that something brings you joy, keep it, regardless of what anyone else might say. Even if it isn’t perfect, no matter how mundane it might be, when you use it with care and respect, you transform it into something priceless.” – Marie Kondo
  1. “Love is what creates a beautiful relationship, but respect makes it last.” – Unknown
  1. “It takes no compromising to give people their rights. It takes no money to respect the individual. It takes no survey to remove repressions.” – Harvey Milk
  1. “In finding love, I think it’s important to be patient. In being in a relationship, I think it’s important to be honest, to communicate, to respect and trust, and to strive to give more than you take.” – Kina Grannis
  1. ”Respect yourself enough to demand more from yourself than you would from anyone else.’’ – Unknown
  1. “Respect is the foundation of a caring and loving home.” – Unknown
  1. “When we show our respect for other living things, they respond with respect for us.” – Arapaho proverb
  1. “The truest form of love is how you behave toward someone, not how you feel about them.” ― Steve Hall
  1. A great relationship is about two things: First, appreciating the similarities, and second, respecting the differences.”- Anonymous
  1. “Don’t be that egocentric narcissist who is so focused on his goals that forget that other are, too, people.” – Maxime Lagacé
  1. “Respect requires empathy, the capacity to anticipate and understand the feelings of others. It requires consideration.” – Deborah Norville
  1. “The more you know and respect yourself, the more impact you will have on people around you.” – Maxime Lagacé
  1. “There may be days when you’re not getting enough love from your partner. But even on those days, you deserve respect.” – Unknown
  1. “Love is honesty. Love is a mutual respect for one another.” – Simone Elkeles
  1. “Respect other people’s feelings. It might mean nothing to you, but it could mean everything to them.” – Roy T. Bennett
  1. “There is overwhelming evidence that the higher the level of self-esteem, the more likely one will be to treat others with respect, kindness, and generosity.” – Nathaniel Branden
  1. “Never judge someone by the way he looks or a book by the way it’s covered; for inside those tattered pages, there’s a lot to be discovered.” – Stephen Cosgrove
Man and woman in a loving and respectful relationship

Image: Shutterstock

  1. “A loving relationship is one in which the loved one is free to be himself – to laugh with me, but never at me; to cry with me, but never because of me; to love life, to love himself, to love being loved. Such a relationship is based upon freedom and can never grow in a jealous heart.” – Leo Buscaglia
  1. “I have great respect for the past. If you don’t know where you’ve come from, you don’t know where you’re going.”– Maya Angelou
  1. “Psychologists tell us that your level of self-esteem – how much you like and respect yourself – is the key measure of how happy you are in any area of your life.”– Brian Tracy
  1. “It’s very dramatic when two people come together to work something out[…], what is really exciting to me is to see people with differing views come together and finally respect each other.”– Fred Rogers
  1. “Consistency is a key element, without which a leader is incapable of getting respect, success or even developing confidence in others.” – Daniel Transon
  1. “The respect you show to others (or lack thereof) is an immediate reflection on your self respect.”― Alex Elle
  1. “If we can respect the divine within us, if we can treat it with dignity, then we can respect others around us.” –Vishwas Chavan
  1. “If you have some respect for people as they are, you can be more effective in helping them to become better than they are.” – John W. Gardner
  1. “Respect for the fragility and importance of an individual life is still the mark of an educated man.” – Norman Cousins
  1. “Respect yourself and others will respect you.”– Confucius
  1. “The art of conversation is the art of hearing as well as of being heard.”– William Hazlitt
  1. “A person that does not value your time will not value your advice.”– Orrin Woodward
  1. “We don’t need to share the same opinions as others, but we need to be respectful.” – Taylor Swift
  1. We all require and want respect, man or woman, black or white.” – Aretha Franklin
  1. “If you treat people right they will treat you right… ninety percent of the time.” – Franklin D. Roosevelt
  1. “Surround yourself with people who respect and treat you well.” – Claudia Black
  1. “The secret of a happy life is respect. Respect for yourself and respect for others.” – Ayad Akhtar
  1. “Never respect men merely for their riches, but rather for their philanthropy; we do not value the sun for its height, but for its use.” – Gamaliel Bailey
  1. “You won’t get anywhere in life by giving up on yourself and allowing others to walk over you.” – Unknown
  1. “Respect toward others can’t be imposed. It’s a blessing or learning the hard way.” – Toba Beta
  1. “In a relationship, love acts as a fuel, while respect is the engine that keeps it going smoothly.” – Unknown
  1. “I have a respect for manners as such, they are a way of dealing with people you don’t agree with or like.”– Margaret Mead
  1. “If she does not respect you, she will replace you.” – Habeeb Akande
  1. “When we love and respect people, revealing to them their value, they can begin to come out from behind the walls that protect them.” – Jean Vanier
  1. “There is no obligation for you to like me all the time. But I have the right not be disrespected at any time.”– Unknown
  1. ”Real love is not based on romance, candlelight dinner. It is based on respect, care, concern, and trust!’’ – Unknown
  1. “Never pay attention to someone who has not earned your respect.” – Habeeb Akande
  1. “Responsibility and respect of others and their religious beliefs are also part of freedom.” – Horst Koehler
  1. “Love is not about possession. Love is about appreciation.” -Osho
  1. “By showing your children that you acknowledge their ideas, views, and decisions, you are being a good example of respect.” – Bethany Bridges
  1. “He who loves others is constantly loved by them. He who respects others is constantly respected by them.” – Mencius
  1. “Respect is appreciation of the separateness of the other person, of the ways in which he or she is unique.” – Annie Gottlieb
  1. “Respect depends on reciprocity.” – Nyang Proverb
  1. “Humility and respect tells much more about your background than your personality.” – Kate Iroegbu
Respecting each other after separation

Image: Shutterstock

  1. “Perhaps the surest test of an individual’s integrity is his refusal to do or say anything that would damage his self-respect.” – Thomas S. Monson
  1. “Respect, trust, communication, and understanding are most important for a relationship to survive.” – Unknown
  1. “What we make testifies who we are. People can sense care and can sense carelessness. This relates to respect for each other and carelessness is personally offensive.” – Jonathan Ive
  1. “Respect people who trust you. It takes a lot for people to trust you, so treat their trust like precious porcelain.” – Brandon Cox
  1. “Society as a whole benefits immeasurably from a climate in which all persons, regardless of race or gender, may have the opportunity to earn respect, responsibility, advancement and remuneration based on ability.” – Sandra Day O’Connor
  1. “Be a warrior when it comes to delivering on your ambitions. And a saint when it comes to treating people with respect, modeling generosity, and showing up with outright love.” — Robin S. Sharma
  1. “Love is a decision to trust, to respect your partner, to place total confidence in them, to move forward without knowing the future.” — Unknown

Illustration: Quotes About Respect In Relationships And Love

respect in relationship quotes_illustration

Image: Stable Diffusion/MomJunction Design Team

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What are signs of respect in a relationship?

Valuing your partner’s opinion, remembering their likes and dislikes, refraining from criticizing them in front of others, and forgiving them are some behaviors indicating you genuinely respect your partner and cherish the relationship.

2. Is respect a form of love?

Respect is an important aspect of a relationship, and one cannot afford not to respect a person they truly love and value. However, love entails respect, but if you’re not partners with someone yet, the mere fact that they respect you need not mean that they have a romantic interest in you.

3. How can partners show respect for each other in their everyday interactions?

Showing respect for each other in everyday interactions is crucial for building a healthy and strong partnership. Pay attention to your partner when they are speaking and genuinely listen to what they have to say. Foster an environment where both partners feel comfortable expressing themselves openly and honestly without being judgemental. Show appreciation for your partner’s efforts, gestures, and contributions.

4. Can a relationship be successful without respect?

While it is theoretically possible for a relationship to continue without respect, it is highly unlikely to thrive or be fulfilling in the long term. Without respect, there is a lack of trust, making it challenging for individuals to feel safe and vulnerable in expressing their thoughts, feelings, and needs.

5. How can a partner establish boundaries in a respectful way?

To establish boundaries in a relationship, you need to take some time to understand your own needs, values, and limits. Clearly express your thoughts and feelings that will help you communicate your boundaries effectively. Be specific and clear in defining your boundaries and explore potential compromises that honor both parties’ needs and find mutually beneficial solutions.

6. How can couples recognize and address any lack of respect in their relationship?

Each partner should begin by reflecting on their own behavior and attitudes towards their partner. Ask yourself if you treat your partner with kindness, empathy, and consideration. Create a safe and open space for dialogue where both partners can express their thoughts and feelings honestly. Cultivating empathy allows partners to understand each other’s experiences and emotions. If the lack of respect in the relationship is deeply ingrained or difficult to address, seeking the assistance of a couples therapist or counselor can be beneficial.

7. How can couples maintain respect over time?

To maintain respect in a relationship, couples should regularly communicate, actively listen, and address any issues or concerns before they escalate. Setting aside time for each other and sharing ideas for personal or professional development can also strengthen the bond between partners. Additionally, setting boundaries and appreciating each other’s personal space may help reinforce mutual respect.

Both partners in a relationship must have mutual respect and be aware of each other’s boundaries. Lack of respect might lead to conflicts and misunderstandings and hamper the integrity of the relationship. Thus, respect your partner, respect yourself as well as others, and do not miss out on conveying your love and respect to others. With the help of these respect in relationship quotes, we hope you will better understand the importance of respect in a relationship and implement it to make it stronger.

Infographic: Actions That Indicate Respect In A Relationship

Showing respect to your partner does not only have to be through your words. You can show them that you deeply respect them even with simple actions in your day-to-day life, and we are sure they will appreciate it very much. To help you learn about how you can show them respect in your daily life, give the following infographic a read and save it for later.

actions that show respect better than words (infographic)

Illustration: Momjunction Design Team

Key Pointers

  • Along with love and care, respect is one of the most essential things in a relationship.
  • Quotes about respect in relationships reinforce the importance of dignity in a calm manner.
  • They help bridge the gap between the couple and foster mutual love and trust.
  • Establishing respectful boundaries in a relationship is important for its success.
  • You can send these quotes through text or handwritten notes, or letters.


Respect everyone, no matter who they are. It’s an important lesson to learn and remember. Let’s explore some motivational quotes about respect!

Was this article helpful?
Like buttonDislike button

Community Experiences

Join the conversation and become a part of our nurturing community! Share your stories, experiences, and insights to connect with fellow parents.

Vinita Agrawal is an accomplished poet hailing from Indore, India. She has garnered significant recognition for her poetic endeavors, including winning the prestigious Proverse prize in Hong Kong in 2021 for her collection of poems titled "Twilight Language.

Read full bio of Vinita Agrawal
Siddharth Kesiraju
Siddharth KesirajuMA, Certification in Relationship Coaching
Siddharth holds a certification in Relationship Coaching and a masters degree in communication and journalism from the University of Hyderabad. He has around seven years of experience in various fields of writing and editing.

Read full bio of Siddharth Kesiraju
Shikha is a writer-turned-editor at MomJunction, with over seven years of experience in the field of content. Having done a certification in Relationship Coaching, her core interest lies in writing articles that guide couples through their courtship to marriage and parenthood.

Read full bio of Shikha Thakur