The Flea Market Negotiator - Part 8

Respect – The Secret Sauce of Every Relationship

Let’s talk about respect. Not the Aretha Franklin kind (although R-E-S-P-E-C-T is always a bop), but the real, everyday kind. The kind that shows up before you say a word, in how you carry yourself, treat others, and even how you treat your own goals.

See, respect is often misunderstood. People think it’s about power or position. “Respect me—I’m the boss.” “Respect me—I’m older.” “Respect me—I have a WhatsApp profile picture in a suit.” But real respect isn’t about hierarchy. It’s about honor. For yourself. For others. And for the space between you.

In negotiation, respect is the invisible handshake before the actual one. It says: “I see you. You matter. And I’m not here to cheat, bully, or belittle you—I’m here to build something we can both walk away happy about.”

But respect starts internally.

If you don’t respect yourself, don’t expect others to. That’s not a motivational poster line—that’s just physics. Self-respect shows up in how you set boundaries, in the deals you don’t take, in the way you say, “No thanks, I’d rather not sell my soul for a 10% discount.”

Self-respect also keeps you motivated. Why? Because when you honor your own goals, you don’t need people clapping for you every step of the way. You wake up and go after your dream because it matters. Not because your cousin posted a passive-aggressive comment about your hustle on Facebook.

Now, let’s flip the coin.

Respect for others is just as essential. And no, it doesn’t mean being a pushover. It means treating people as people. Listening. Considering their experience. Understanding that even if someone’s offer sounds crazy, they’re still a human being trying to make their way in the world—just like you.

Here’s the thing: when people feel respected, they open up. They trust more. They negotiate better. It’s like the difference between negotiating with a locked safe versus an open hand.

And remember—it’s reciprocal. Respect is like an echo: what you throw out is what bounces back. If you come into a deal acting like a bulldozer, don’t be surprised when the other person turns into a brick wall.

So whether you’re closing a million-dollar deal or haggling over a secondhand bicycle, carry this with you: Respect is not optional. It’s not earned by title—it’s earned by tone, presence, and consistency.

Because at the end of the day, every human being—no matter how broke, busy, bold, or bewildered—wants to feel valued.