What a refreshing take on respect! Your emphasis on authenticity and genuine connection really resonates with me. As someone who writes horror short stories, I’ve found that the most compelling characters are those who are true to themselves, quirks and all. Your advice on active listening and maintaining positivity is something I try to weave into my characters’ interactions to create deeper, more relatable narratives. Thanks for sharing these insights — they’re a great reminder to stay true to ourselves in both writing and daily life.