# Respect Means Something to Me **[Verse 1]** Respect ain’t just a word you say, Then throw it all aside. It’s hearing me when I speak up, Not making me go quiet. It’s looking at the lines I draw, And knowing they’re not wrong. It’s giving me the space to choose, And letting me stay strong. **[Pre-Chorus]** Don’t tell me that you care for me Then make my choices small. If you really stand beside me, You’ll respect me through it all. **[Chorus]** Respect means listening when I say **no**, And hearing me when I say **yes**. It means honesty, loyalty, Not leaving me to guess. It means my boundaries matter, My feelings matter too. It means trust is built together By the things you say and do. Respect isn’t control, It isn’t owning me. Respect means standing side by side And letting me be free. **[Verse 2]** Respect is communication When something isn’t right. Not disappearing when it’s hard, Or running from the fight. It’s saying, “Tell me how you feel,” And meaning every word. It’s knowing I deserve a place Where my voice can still be heard. **[Pre-Chorus]** You don’t earn my trust by asking, You earn it day by day. Through consistency and kindness, Through the choices that you make. **[Chorus]** Respect means listening when I say **no**, And hearing me when I say **yes**. It means honesty, loyalty, Not leaving me to guess. It means my boundaries matter, My feelings matter too. It means trust is built together By the things you say and do. Respect isn’t control, It isn’t owning me. Respect means standing side by side And letting me be free. **[Bridge]** I can love you and still have limits. I can care and still say no. I can give you all my heart Without surrendering my soul. Love should never mean obedience, And care should never mean control. If we’re real, if we’re together, Then we both deserve a voice. Don’t speak over me. Don’t decide for me. Don’t make promises You never mean to keep. Just be honest. Just be present. Let your actions speak. **[Final Chorus]** Respect means knowing who I am And never making me feel less. It means talking things out together Instead of making me suppress Every feeling, every boundary, Every part that makes me **me**. It means love that feels mutual. It means feeling safe and free. Respect is trust. Respect is truth. Respect is showing that you care. Respect is knowing when I need you, You won’t suddenly disappear. You don’t have to always agree with me, But you do have to let me speak. Because respect isn’t something I should ever have to beg to receive. **[Outro]** Hear my voice. Know my boundaries. Tell the truth and let me choose. Stand beside me, Not above me. That’s what respect means to me.
