I've noticed people using differing interpretations of the word as it suits their whims.
With these multiple definitions being brought up, I figured I should clarify what my own version of respect means.
The main meaning is to deeply admire someone for their abilities, qualities, or achievements.
This is not what I mean when I say "I try to respect everyone".
If I say "I hold a deep respect towards X" however then I do mean it in this way, cause then I'm bothering to specify a form of respect I hold towards a certain individual which isn't universal.
Another meaning is to show due regard for someone's feelings, wishes, rights, or traditions. This one is more reasonable, but I don't bother doing it. I'll respect everyone's rights, but what I consider "due regard" for the other bits is I will respect them if worthy of respect and I will ignore or criticize them if not.
Depends on how you classify "Someone's feelings".
Are we talking about not purposely provoking or aggravating an individual simply to be a douche? If so, then yes, I try to show this kind of respect universally. Though, this arguably falls under definition #3.
Or are we talking about "That offends me! Don't make those jokes/state those opinions!"? Because if so then no, I absolutely do not give this kind of respect. Partially because by letting people's sensitives control speech you are opening the door to
much bigger problems down the road. But also because the sheer act of telling someone "You can't do ____ because *I* don't like it!" is in itself disrespectful, you are trying to dictate and control other people because you lack the self control to either deal with or remove yourself from certain circles, debates, jokes etc.
The last applicable definition means to avoid harming or interfering with something.
This here would be the form of respect that I aim to apply to people universally. There's really no sense, point or reason behind trying to harm an individual. It almost never has any positive result or outcome, and is usually done out of a form of spite or malice. If do you take exception to an individual and feel they deserve a total lack of respect, I advise you take the following sentence in mind:
"Go after the idea, not the individual".