I wanted to make November a time of thankfulness and appreciation by taking the time to acknowledge the people and circumstances around me as the blessings that they are.

However, recent events have made me realize that there is something that I am not thankful for that I think need to be said: disrespect. The moral of the story is there is no excuse for it. I’m not suggesting that everyone go around hugging each other and spreading flower petals everywhere they go. Absolutely not. But there is no valid excuse for anyone to treat someone else without respect.

Of course, in the words of the wise Green Lantern, I’m only human. We are all only human. So there are times when we say or do things that are disrespectful due to being in a bad mood, having a bad day or, if you’re like me, being hungry. These times happen and, when they do, owning up to it and explaining yourself afterward is really important.

A good person isn’t tarnished if they have a bad day; they’re tarnished if they don’t take the feelings of others into consideration when their bad day passes. Be the bigger person and own up to what you did. Others will understand.

Now, there’s a difference between having a few bad days when compared to making a pattern of taking your issues out on other people. The latter is never acceptable. If you are repeatedly treating someone badly it’s a decision, not a mistake. I’m a pretty reasonable and understanding person, but being constantly disrespected is not something that anyone should have to look past or accept.

Instead of showing your distaste for someone through outward disrespect, let’s all try to at least be civil toward one another. You don’t have to be friends with everyone, but you don’t have the right to mistreat everyone that isn’t your friend.

Disrespecting someone in the way you treat them or talk to them is basically telling the other person that they don’t deserve your respect. You’re not just taking away friendliness, you’re also removing the option of being civil or accommodating and replacing it with harsh words or mean glances. And, when disrespect progresses beyond a few exchanges into an every-day occurrence, it becomes a dehumanizing experience.

If you’re forced to be around someone you dislike, being polite is always an option. The problem is when you try to be polite to someone who is determined to continue to be disrespectful. Sometimes, people like that only respond to disciplinary actions.

If communication doesn’t work, you may have to take things into your own hands by getting someone involved or finding a way to remove that person from your life. The absolute worst thing you can do is let that person’s disrespect turn you into a disrespectful person as well. It’s going to be tempting, believe me I know. They’re just petty bullies - the more you let them know that they are bothering you, they more they think they are winning.

So go on living your life like they aren’t there. Keep doing you. And remember that no one can make you feel bad about yourself without you letting them. Your own worth isn’t determined by anyone but yourself.