Respect – it's more than just a great song by Leia Shaw

I'm so excited to use this post title because I actually lip synched to Aretha's RESPECT in a hypnotist show a couple years ago. Yes, I was one of the idiots that volunteered to be hypnotized in a comedy show. And no, it's not like it is on TV. I didn't bark like a dog when the phone rang for weeks following the show. At least I don't think so. My husband would tell me, right? Right?

Anyway, now that we got the subject of my poor judgment and possible impulsive personality out of the way, my post is actually about respect for one another as readers, writers and more importantly, as human beings.

I've been watching you (another great song) and I don't like what I see. No, not you personally. Or you. But maybe you (points to person in the cardigan).

Women are vicious. Sorry to be sexist, but it's true. We're passive aggressive, oversensitive, and can be downright cruel and vengeful.

But we need to fight against our DNA – or upbringing or reality TV or whatever it is that made us this way and stop torturing each other!

Recently I've been victim of such petty wars. And I'm not just talking about readers bashing authors. Readers do it to each other too – if they strongly disagree about a book. Authors do it to each other out of jealousy.

I love a good debate as much as the next person. Okay, maybe a little more (my husband is giving me the old eyebrow raise right now). But just because someone doesn't share your views, does not mean they are a horrible person that deserves to be punished. And you are not their executioner.

So lay off!

There is no excuse or wrong-doing big enough to hurtanother human being. A little sabotage or revenge might not seem like a big deal to you – or maybe you're feeling hurt and angry and need to lash out – but I promise you it won't make you feel any better. An eye for an eye gets you nowhere. Practice patience with one another. Be compassionate to authors who work so hard to put their work in front of the judgmental eyes of society.

In the words of the great Aretha, all I'm asking is for a little respect.

Just a little bit

P.S. Okay, who has that song stuck in their head now? And who wants to shoot me for it?

Filed under: romance