I’m so sick of people throwing around the word respect like they know what it actually means.

No, really, some folks love to weaponize it. And honestly, it’s exhausting.

To them, respect means don’t question me.

Don’t bring up the things I’ve done.

Don’t hold me ACCOUNTABLE.

Just smile, nod, and pretend everything’s fine, even when it isn’t.

I’ve seen it play out too many times. In conversations that suddenly shift when someone gets uncomfortable. In families where silence is praised and confrontation is seen as “disrespectful.” In dynamics where one person gets to talk at everyone else, but heaven forbid anyone talk to them about how they treat people.

I’ve watched people twist the word respect into something self-serving.

It becomes this get-out-of-jail-free card, especially for the ones who never apologize, never reflect, and never change.

But here’s the truth:

Respect doesn’t mean you’re above being questioned.

It doesn’t mean you get a pass just because you’re older, louder, or “family.”

It sure doesn’t mean you get to bulldoze someone’s boundaries just because you don’t like being told no.

Real respect can handle being challenged.

It can survive a conversation that’s a little uncomfortable.

It doesn’t crumble when someone points out a pattern.

And let me just say, for the record:

You can’t demand respect from the same people you continuously undermine, guilt-trip, or dismiss.

That’s not how it works.

So no, I’m not being disrespectful when I speak up.

I’m not being difficult when I name the behavior.

And I’m not going to play the “keep the peace” game when I’m the only one sacrificing my peace to do it.

If you’re using the word respect as a way to avoid accountability, I promise you, it shows.