There are some things worth working for and others that aren't. Gaining respect is complex, like putting together a fashionable outfit or applying au-natural makeup :) It's not something that happens off the bat.
Say words were the way to gain respect. Now equate words = facial cosmetics which range in colors, textures, depth or unique features. These words will "paint" the blank canvas that other people hold in their minds. Your tools of the trade used to convey your inner beauty or strength (i.e., powder brush, tweezers, eyelash curler, etc.): they're all different forums to enhance or emphasize your words.
There needs to be some goal, thought out carefully but quickly. Then execute it delicately; a heavy hand only points out insecurity and may falter in direction. But don't forget to throw in what makes you unique, like a dash of blue eyeliner or a deep transparent purple lip balm over an otherwise plain red mouth. It's unexpected and surprisingly, it opens a layer of vulnerability. It reveals a hidden element about yourself with its honesty and willingness to be an individual who isn't going to follow everyone else's beige vagueness.
Lightly applied, certainty where to push harder to make a point, overall consideration of how the final product will affect you and others, set it with a fine powder of self-assurance and you're good for the day. Here is the face you give to the world: it is a gift or an annoyance or invisible. You can say, "You can fuck off if you don't like this face" but if YOU are unhappy with the face you present, then YOU can only change yourself.
Perhaps I took the makeup analogy too far but really, noone is given respect off the bat. You work on it but not too hard. You do it without provocation nor expectation of rewards; it's that much more rewarding for your self-esteem. Respect for me is being heard by people willing to listen. Respect is caring about what I listen to in turn. It's about being considerate. Respect is treating others the way you want to be treated. So think about how you treat others before you start demanding more respect.
