If someone does these 7 things consistently, they probably don’t respect you as much as you think

I’ve learned that respect is never just about polite words or the occasional compliment. It’s about how someone genuinely treats you day in and day out—especially when nobody else is watching.

Sometimes, in both personal and professional relationships, we can sense that someone isn’t giving us the respect we deserve. Yet we keep making excuses for them because we don’t want to believe it.

If this rings a bell, read on. Below are seven consistent behaviors that could mean someone doesn’t hold you in as high regard as you might imagine.

Sure, we might all slip up from time to time—no one’s perfect. But if you notice these patterns happening over and over, it’s probably time to confront the issue. Or at least be more cautious in how much trust and energy you invest in that relationship.

I’ve been there, and I’m hoping my experiences—and some insights from psychology and business—can help you figure out if someone’s truly respecting you or not.

1. They often interrupt or talk over you

Few things feel as dismissive as being cut off mid-sentence or spoken over. It’s like you’re in a Zoom meeting, you start making a point, and before you’re halfway through, someone hijacks the conversation.

I once had a colleague who did this all the time. Whenever we were brainstorming ideas, I’d open my mouth, and he’d jump in like clockwork. It didn’t matter if my idea was brilliant or mediocre—he was too busy waiting to talk rather than actually listening.

According to a study by Georgetown University professor Christine Porath, persistent disrespect (like chronic interruptions) leads to about 80% of employees losing work time worrying about it and 12% quitting altogether.

That’s a massive toll on morale and productivity—key aspects we talk about a lot here at Small Biz Technology, especially when it comes to building healthy business relationships.

Now, not everyone who interrupts is a malicious person. Some people just get overexcited or are used to speaking quickly. But if someone’s continuously cutting you off and doesn’t seem to care how it affects you, it’s a telltale sign that they might not truly value your input.

2. They refuse to respect your boundaries

“Daring to set boundaries is about having the courage to love ourselves, even when we risk disappointing others,” says Brené Brown.

I love that quote because it reminds us that boundaries aren’t about shutting people out; they’re about preserving our own well-being.

When you clearly state that something makes you uncomfortable—like receiving calls at 2 a.m. for non-urgent matters—or you can’t drop everything to accommodate a last-minute request, a respectful person will at least try to understand.

But if someone consistently bulldozes over those boundaries and pushes you into situations you’ve already said no to, it’s usually a red flag.

I noticed this in an old business partnership. We agreed to keep communications within regular working hours, but that agreement went out the window the moment he had an “urgent” idea.

And this wasn’t about genuine crises; these were random, impulse-driven thoughts that could’ve waited until the next morning. I felt disrespected because it was clear my time didn’t matter.

Boundaries are there for a reason—to help maintain balance in our personal and professional lives. People who truly respect you will do their best to honor them.

3. They only reach out when they need something

There’s nothing wrong with needing help—business and life can be tough, and we all lean on each other. But if you have someone in your circle who only rings you up when they want a favor, it’s worth asking whether they respect you or just see you as a resource.

I’m thinking of that friend or colleague who disappears until it’s time to pitch a new idea or get free advice. Maybe it’s a relative who only texts you when they need a loan or a co-worker who only pings you for tech support while never asking how you’re doing.

Respect is mutual. It’s not just about making polite conversation; it’s about caring enough to check in, share resources, and show interest in what the other person is going through—even when you have no immediate use for them.

As Stephen Covey famously said, “Trust is the glue of life. It’s the most essential ingredient in effective communication. It’s the foundational principle that holds all relationships.” If someone’s ignoring you whenever they don’t need something, they’re breaking down that trust—and giving you a big clue about how they see you.

4. They belittle your ideas or achievements

Have you ever gotten super excited about a personal achievement—maybe you landed a big client, launched a new YouTube channel, or successfully coded your first app—only for someone to dismiss it as trivial?

I had a friend back in the day who found a way to downplay every milestone I achieved: “Oh, you’re just lucky,” or “It’s not that big of a deal.” It felt like a jab at my capabilities, and after a while, it chipped away at my self-confidence.

It’s even more irritating in group settings, where this person might laugh at your ideas or say something like, “That’s cute, but here’s what we really should do.”

Sometimes, this is subtle. They’ll give you a half-smile and a quick brush-off before changing the subject. But subtle or not, consistently belittling or trivializing your work indicates a lack of respect for who you are and what you bring to the table.

I’ve mentioned this in a previous post, but it’s worth reiterating: people who put down your achievements might feel threatened by your success. They might also have their own insecurities. Whatever the reason, that’s on them, not you. Don’t let their disrespect dull your shine.

5. They don’t take accountability or apologize

We all make mistakes. Missed deadlines, harsh words in the heat of an argument, forgetting to reply to an important email—the list goes on. But someone who respects you will own up to these slip-ups and try to make amends.

In contrast, disrespect shows up as endless excuses, finger-pointing, and a refusal to utter those two simple words: “I’m sorry.”

I once worked on a project with a partner who messed up the product specs, setting us back weeks. Instead of admitting his oversight, he blamed everyone else—our suppliers, our marketing team, even the clients themselves. It was exhausting trying to work with someone who couldn’t face the consequences of his actions.

Psychologists refer to this behavior as an external locus of control—constantly blaming outside factors for personal failings. As Dr. Brad Klontz has noted, true growth happens when we shift to an internal locus of control and take responsibility for what we can change.

If someone keeps dodging accountability, it’s a classic sign of disrespect—toward you, and even toward themselves.

6. They chronically show up late or cancel last minute

I’m not talking about the occasional traffic jam or genuine emergency. Life happens. But when someone is habitually late or constantly cancels at the last second, they’re sending a not-so-subtle message: your time isn’t a priority.

A friend of mine did this for years. We’d set a meeting to discuss a partnership, and he’d either roll in 45 minutes late or call to cancel just as I was about to walk out the door. Eventually, I realized I was enabling that behavior by continuing to show up.

In a busy entrepreneurial world—especially one where we’re juggling multiple ventures and side gigs—time is probably our most precious resource. Disrespecting someone’s time is a direct sign that you don’t value them.

Interestingly, Winston Churchill once said, “Continuous effort—not strength or intelligence—is the key to unlocking our potential.” I’d add that continuous effort also includes basic decency like showing up on time. If they can’t manage this, maybe they don’t fully respect what you bring to the table.

7. They never show genuine interest in your life

You know those one-sided relationships where you’re the one asking all the questions—“How’s work? How’s the family? How’s that new software launch going?”—and they hardly ever ask about your day?

Or maybe when you start talking about something that excites you, their eyes glaze over, and they steer the conversation back to themselves.

While this might seem harmless at first, over time it reveals a lot. People who respect you will be curious about what you’re up to, how you’re feeling, and what your goals are. They’ll remember the tiny details—like that app you’ve been beta-testing or the course you’re developing.

Showing genuine interest isn’t just about politeness; it demonstrates empathy, care, and a willingness to invest time into understanding your experiences.

Final words

Respect might be one of the most significant currencies in any relationship, personal or professional. It’s not measured by big gestures or occasional niceties—it’s in the small, consistent ways someone shows they value you.

If you notice these seven signs popping up again and again, it may be time to reconsider how much you’re giving to that person—and how much you’re allowing them to take.

I’ve learned that setting clear boundaries, advocating for myself, and recognizing red flags can save a lot of heartache (and wasted energy) down the road. This definitely applies in the entrepreneurial realm, too.

Here at Small Biz Technology, we see how crucial genuine respect is for building strong partnerships, teams, and client relationships.

So don’t ignore the warning signs. If you spot them, you owe it to yourself—and maybe even to your business—to take action. Sometimes, that action might be a heart-to-heart talk. In other cases, it might mean walking away.

Whatever you decide, remember that mutual respect is non-negotiable if you want to thrive. Protect your peace, guard your time, and prioritize those who genuinely value you. You’re allowed to ask for it—and you absolutely deserve it.