Kia Sweet Corner
By Joseph Bingkasan
KOTA KINABALU: “Respect is earned. Honesty is appreciated. Trust is gained. Loyalty is returned.”
This beautiful quotes is dedicated to vendors of a stall, Kia Sweet Corner, selling milk coconut and others cold drinks at basement Bataras Supermarket, Kolombong Inanam.
The vendors’ honesty was displayed when I left their stall after buying a cup of coconut milk, without realising leaving my mobile phone on the counter.
I only realised my handphone missing two hours later when I wanted to make a call to a friend. The gadget is my ‘office’, it functions as a laptop.
After hours leaving the supermarket, I lost hope of getting back my handphone, nonetheless I returned to Bataras, back tracing my steps while there a few hours earlier.
I toured all the stalls I had visited on the first floor inquiring whether or not the vendors had seen my mobile phone. All answered in the negative.
Then I remembered I had also visited the vendors at the ground floor, buying coconut milk drink from one of the stall. I was so happy that the lady manning the outlet had kept secured my Vivo 27 in a safety box.
“You left it on the counter, I keep it knowing that you will certainly come back looking for the gadget, “she said.
I thanks her for her honesty and bought another cup of coconut milk drink.
In a world brimming with diverse interactions and relationships, the phrase “Respect Is Earned Not Given” holds immense significance.
This principle underscores the idea that respect cannot simply be claimed or demanded; instead, it must be cultivated through actions, attitudes, and behavior.
Whether in personal relationships, professional settings, or societal interactions, genuine respect is a cornerstone for fostering healthy connections.
The phrase also encapsulates the notion that respect is not a right, but rather a privilege granted based on one’s conduct and character. This principle acknowledges that respect is a two-way street, requiring effort and consideration from both parties involved.
By internalising this perspective, individuals can set the stage for meaningful interactions and relationships.
Before earning respect from others, individuals must cultivate self-respect. This involves recognising one’s worth, setting healthy boundaries, and making choices aligned with personal values.
Self-respect radiates outward, positively influencing how others perceive and treat an individual. – Talantang
