Society, community, family. The groups of people we surround ourselves with speaks volumes to who we are as people. Most of us have probably heard some iteration of the statement that we are the sum of our five closest friends. But what speaks even louder is the way we are around people we do not know, people we are not friends with or people who are not like us.

We live in a very individualistic society where we are usually only concerned with ourselves and "our group" of people. The way we act within "our group" and outside it becomes very different. You'll find yourself acting different among other people and most of the times it is perfectly okay. But other times we forget that we all deserve to be treated with respect.

I have been on both sides of this dilemma. I feel sometimes these biases creeping into my mind before I even get to know a person. And other times I can see the biases forming in the minds of those strangers that think they have me all made up before they have even had a full conversation with me.

This is a problem that dates back farther than we may understand, but the focus should lie in how to move forward. We should all approach each other with open minds and recognize when those biases are beginning to take over. It is as simple as treating everyone with respect and kindness- people you know and people you do not know.

We all know to respect our elders. However, respect is not only for those who are older than you, but it should also be applied to your peers. We do not have to be friends with everyone, but everyone deserves respect. If we treat each other with respect it can prevent barriers before they are even built.