Respect

Respect is something very vital in relationships.  And something you should look for in a partner. I think this is something that is missing in a lot of modern people who are too busy thinking about themselves and not enough about how their actions will effect other people. 

In pre-dating this manifests itself in respecting someone else's time and energy.  If you're messaging someone online and you just don't think it's going anywhere, instead of hitting the block button or awkward ignoring them forever and at best they think you've died, send them a little note saying that you don't think it's going to work out and that you wish them the best in the future.  I think it's more polite to let someone down gently than leave them hanging.  And if you're chicken and don't like confrontation then too effing bad b/c seriously, how can you have a serious stable relationship if you can't be honest about not liking someone and being able to express those feelings.  Remember, emotionally stunted is bad.  So instead of letting them dangle and wonder if you're ever going to text back, be a man (or woman) and let them know you're not interested but nicely! 

And if you're going to cancel, don't flake out at the last minute.  Flakiness is a huge pet peeve of mine frankly b/c I think it's hugely disrespectful.   This person made plans, may have canceled on other things they could have been doing, may have driven really far to meet you, and to cancel at the last minute for a lame reason or to just not show up just makes you a bad person. You hear me, a really awful bad person.  So unless your grandmother died, you suck.  Having something more fun to do is not really a legit excuse, it just makes you a douchebag. 

In dating, respect is things like thinking about their needs.  Are their arms full of stuff and they're trying to open the door??  Dude, be polite and help them carry some shit.  Are they working crazy long overtime this week?  Maybe you can drive out to meet them closer to their house this time.  Basically, in a relationship, it is no longer all about you.  Only dogs and toddlers think the world revolve around them (don't get me started about puppies!). 

Really respect should be about the golden rule.  Do you want someone to treat you like that?  Do you want to be ignored, belittled, disrespected, and just generally treated like crap?  Hopefully not!  So why would you do that to other people?  Own up to your behavior and treat people with respect. 

Addendum: This also leads to when you're shopping.  If you're shopping don't mess up the freaking store (or library).  Every shirt you unfold and dump in another department is a mess someone else will have to clean up.  If you barf in the elevator, maybe you can help clean it up or go home instead of just roaming the library more in case you barf again.  Having been there, it sucks, be nice to the people who work at the places you go.  The world will be a much nicer place if we all do.