ABSTRACT
Respect work with couples is complex because it means working intently with two individuals, helping them gain effective respect for themselves and each other, while at the same time, we are also addressing the functionality of the relationship they share. Based on the work of Lawrence-Lightfoot, who talks about the importance of symmetry in a relationship, S. S. Hendrick et al. further list resulting improvements that reflect key basic themes of respect: empowerment, healing, dialog, curiosity, as well as self-respect. Hendrick et al. discuss two research studies that focused on the value of respect in romantic relationships and how they differed in their results based on how the studies were designed. The concept of “softening” in a relational interaction is very akin to respect in that it is allowing each person to be more vulnerable to oneself and one another. But the relationship requires more: better communication, listening skills, negotiating skills, forgiveness, and yes, respect.
